Rasuwa Flash Floods Response – a photo essay

This photo essay captures SWAN’s efforts under the Rasuwa Flash Flood Response Project to support people and communities affected by the devastating flash floods. With funding support from SWAN Deutschland e.V. and SWAN Österreich, it takes you through our journey—from the initial appeal and board meetings to coordinated relief efforts on the ground, working closely with local governments in the hardest-hit areas.

Through these photographs, we share the stories of our response, the challenges faced by affected communities, and our commitment to standing with people in times of crisis.

Map: On 26 August 2026, Nepal was struck by a devastating flash-flood disaster. A massive ice-and-rock landslide, believed to have resulted from glacial collapse, triggered a sudden surge of water and debris into the Lhende–Bhote Koshi river system. The disaster swept through Rasuwa and downstream areas along the Trishuli River corridor, including Nuwakot, Dhading and others.

Rasuwa Flash Flood Action Team: SWAN in association with travel-to-nature Asia immediately formed a 10-member Rasuwa Flash Flood Response Action Team. Through our newsletters, websites and social media, we appealed to partners including SWAN Deutschland e.V. (Germany) and SWAN Österreich (Austria), and the response was overwhelming. Thanks to your generosity, we could begin relief support for flood-affected communities right away.

Needs Assessment, Meetings and Coordination: Our team assessed flood-affected areas and government-run holding centers in Nuwakot and Rasuwa. We listened to families, met local stakeholders, and coordinated with local government and disaster clusters. Our intention was clear: to reach the hardest-hit communities with transparent, timely relief, delivering the right intervention, in the right place, to the right people.

Assessing Needs on the Ground: Sushila Shah (left), SWAN Board Member, and Kalpana Karki (right), Programme Director, of SWAN visit a holding centre in Nuwakot to identify the immediate needs of flood-affected people and guide timely relief support.

Procurement of Relief Items: Following consultations with the Rasuwa Flash Flood Action Team, board members, and vendors, SWAN procured food items, clothing, hygiene and dignity kits, and kitchen supplies in line with its procurement policy.

Transportation: As roads to Nuwakot and Rasuwa were damaged and difficult to navigate due to constant rainfall, SWAN hired four-wheel-drive vehicles to transport the relief materials safely, ensuring that essential supplies reached the affected communities without delay.

Infographics: Visual summary highlighting emergency relief support provided to flood-affected people and communities.

Care in every Package: Warm clothing, hygiene supplies and dignity kits are being prepared to support the comfort, health and dignity of flood-affected families.

Solar Panel Support: Providing a 150W solar panel to bring light and power to flood-affected people staying in a holding center in Nuwakot.

Emergency Relief Distribution: Rice, lentils, cooking oil, sanitary pads, soap and solar lights were provided to flood-affected families to meet their urgent needs in Tarkeshwar Rural Municipality, Nuwakot.

Relief Handover: Food supplies handed over to flood-affected families in Gosainkunda Rural Municipality, Rasuwa.

Food and Kitchen Supplies: Providing essential supplies to support 208 people staying at a holding centre in Bidur Municipality, Nuwakot.

Helping Children Return to Learning: Volunteers deliver school bags, stationery and uniforms to flood-affected schoolchildren in Nuwakot.

Education Supplies for Children: Rajendra Chongbang (left), Treasurer of SWAN, joins the distribution of educational supplies to flood-affected schoolchildren in Nuwakot.

Education Kits for Children: School bags, uniforms, notebooks and pens to help flood-affected children continue their education.

Meet the Resilient Teachers: Despite losing their homes and belongings in the flash floods, these teachers are back in the classroom, keeping children’s learning on track with courage and hope..

Listening to Children’s Voices: Schoolchildren in Nuwakot share their fear during the devastating flash floods, how they survived, what they lost, what they need to rebuild their lives and their hopes for a safer future. SWAN Communications Manager Prekshya Lamichhane listens to their stories and concerns.

Keeping Children Warm: With winter approaching, sweaters, woollen caps, shoes and socks are being distributed to schoolchildren in Nuwakot to keep them warm and protected in partnership with the local club of Kathmandu.

Our Frontline Team: Deep gratitude to the Rasuwa Flash Flood Action Team—travel-to-nature Asia, SWAN staff and volunteers—for braving difficult conditions, reaching affected communities and bringing essential relief, care and hope to families when they needed it most.

Heartfelt Gratitude (Dhanyabaad): SWAN-supported tracksuits bring warmth and comfort to children, made possible through the generosity of the people of Rheine, local schools, clubs, families, friends, well-wishers, SWAN Deutschland e.V. and SWAN Österreich.

With this emergency relief support, SWAN’s Rasuwa Flood Response Project comes to a close. But our commitment to flood-affected communities continues. We plan to conduct a baseline survey covering at least 400 households in Rasuwa to better understand their needs and develop a long-term project to support their recovery and rebuilding. SWAN extends heartfelt thanks to all our donors and supporters who stood with Nepal during this difficult time. Your generosity and solidarity have helped bring essential relief and hope to affected families.