By Kean Yee Khoo, Shao-Lian Yu, Min Chen, Lay Sim Lee| Nepal 

Due to the heavy rain, large trucks could not reach the designated school area for distribution. Volunteers worked together like an army of ants, carrying the supplies into the school. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation 

Devastating Flooding and Landslides 

Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu, faced a catastrophic disaster when three consecutive days of heavy rainfall, starting on September 26th, caused the rivers to overflow, leading to severe flooding and landslides. The downpour impacted many communities, with entire residential and impoverished areas submerged. Tzu Chi volunteers in the area immediately joined hands with local volunteers to launch relief efforts. 

Immediate Action and Community Collaboration 

Dr. Nirdesh Shakya, a Tzu Chi volunteer and member of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association, described the situation: “The Bagmati and Koshi rivers both overflowed, flooding all residential and slum areas nearby.” Upon learning that residents from the riverside community of Ward 12 had been evacuated to Mahendra School, Dr. Nirdesh contacted the school principal to assess their needs. 

The principal reported that 70 people were taking shelter in the school, with food provided by officials and local school board members of Ward 12. However, they had no items to keep them warm.   

Displaced residents taking shelter in the school had no blankets to cover themselves and could only rest on the concrete floor with a thin plastic sheet. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation 

Challenges in Securing Essential Supplies 

Understanding the urgency, Tzu Chi volunteers scrambled to procure supplies, only to encounter challenges. “We contacted local vendors who had stores, but unfortunately, their warehouses were already flooded,” said a volunteer. But they didn’t give up. “Fortunately, we found one supplier who kindly agreed to meet us at his warehouse, despite it being past 11 PM. He opened his store and offered whatever he could,” the volunteer recalled.  

Braving the stormy night, volunteers rushed to purchase supplies, delivering them to the shelter at around 11 PM, offering them to the affected residents with both hands. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation 

With the necessary items finally in hand, the volunteers rushed to the school to distribute blankets and carpets. The timely delivery provided much-needed warmth and comfort, bringing relief to the displaced families. 

Government Requests Further Assistance 

On September 29th, the Kathmandu city government reached out to Tzu Chi for help. Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Singapore, Susi Zhao (趙信玉), recalled, “We received a request from the city spokesperson, saying that a landslide occurred in the Nagarjun area. We immediately drove from the Bagmati disaster area to the site.” 

Delivering Supplies with Care 

Based on the needs list provided by the local ward assistant, volunteers quickly purchased supplies in the city and headed to the mountains. For safety reasons, they chose to distribute the items at the nearby Shree Inchangu Basic School. With roads inaccessible for large trucks, volunteers formed a human chain to relay the supplies into the school. 

Although time was tight, and conditions were difficult, the volunteers made sure to respect the residents’ dignity by neatly organizing the supplies and handing them over with care. Asha Chaudhary, one of the recipients, couldn’t hold back her emotions, “I’ve lost everything; I have nothing left. But I’m so happy and grateful for this support today. Thank you!” 

Comforting Grieving Families and Rallying Support 

Despite many challenges and the urgency of time, the volunteers insisted on respecting the dignity of the disaster survivors, neatly arranging the supplies for distribution. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation 

Umesh Lama, the Ward 3 chairperson, expressed deep gratitude as well: “Tzu Chi Foundation’s support is truly invaluable for the flood-affected residents.” 

Susi Zhao noted that 19 households received supplies that day, but two families were absent. One had lost a child to the landslide, and another had a missing family member.  

Learning of their situation, volunteers began a spontaneous fundraising effort on site. “I believe these two families are suffering the most right now,” Zhao said. “We encouraged everyone to help however they can, hoping that amid this tragedy, compassion and mutual support will offer the greatest comfort and strength.”