Devastating floods and landslides have left communities across Nepal facing shortages of food, clean water, medical care, and other necessities. As Tzu Chi volunteers continue assessing the situation, they are responding to needs identified on the ground—from delivering essential supplies to isolated communities and protecting frontline workers to providing free medical care for affected residents.

Emergency supplies reach isolated communities

On the evening of August 28, volunteers in Kathmandu learned that a settlement of about 100 households in Galchhi, Dhading District, was in need of essential supplies. Volunteer Bikash immediately transported relief items to the area, including 25 blankets, 500 bottles of drinking water, and more than 900 packets each of instant noodles and biscuits.

For people facing the difficult days after the floods, these basic supplies provided immediate support. Local volunteers shared that some residents smiled when they received clean drinking water—an ordinary necessity that had become especially precious after the disaster.

When one act of care inspires another

As Tzu Chi volunteers prepared relief supplies, their efforts also touched people in the local community.

When volunteers purchased supplies at Bhat Bhateni Supermarket in Anamnagar, Kathmandu, the store learned that the items would be used to support people affected by the floods. The supermarket offered a 3% discount on the purchase and also donated additional supplies, including juice and biscuits, to be distributed to affected families.

The response went beyond the store. Nikita, the manager of the Anamnagar branch, personally donated sanitary napkins to support the relief effort.

We are deeply grateful to the Tzu Chi Foundation for their assistance and support to the victims of the Rasuwa floods. Tzu Chi contacted us at our branch (Bhatbhatini, Anamnagar). Since we cannot go to the disaster area ourselves, we hope to contribute our small share by providing some supplies to the victims. Seeing the compassion and humanitarian care demonstrated by Tzu Chi deeply moved me and inspired me to participate in volunteer service and do my part to help those in need. Thank you again to Tzu Chi for your support and assistance to the disaster survivors. — Nikita, Manager of Bhat Bhateni Supermarket, Anamnagar branch

For Tzu Chi volunteer Sanjeep, seeing others respond to the relief effort was deeply moving. “This is what is called an impact,” he said.

Protecting frontline workers in Chitwan

In Chitwan, where many deceased people were being brought to hospitals in the plains, local medical facilities faced shortages of cold-storage space and protective equipment. Military, police, and medical personnel involved in handling and registering the deceased had limited protective gear.

In response to the need identified by local volunteers, Tzu Chi urgently sent 120 protective suits, 20 boxes of face masks, and 20 boxes of medical gloves from Kathmandu. The supplies were provided to frontline workers, helping improve their protection as they carried out this difficult work.

Medical care reaches Galchhi

On the afternoon of August 29, a 25-member team of healthcare professionals and volunteers traveled from Kathmandu to Galchhi Rural Municipality in Dhading District, Bagmati Province. Led by Dr. Nirdesh Shakya of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), the team included Tzu Chi volunteers from Nepal, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Working with Baireni Hospital, the team set up a temporary clinic to provide free medical care. Residents were already waiting when the medical team arrived, and doctors quickly began consultations and treatment.

Baireni Hospital has 15 beds and two doctors and normally serves around 200 patients a day. Following the disaster, mud and debris covered the area, including the hospital, and much of its medical equipment, supplies, and medicines were damaged, leaving the hospital unable to operate normally.

The medical team's visit provided timely care to residents while also giving volunteers a clearer understanding of the health needs emerging after the disaster.

Helping families prepare meals again

Alongside medical care, Tzu Chi volunteers distributed essential food and cooking supplies to 100 affected households in Galchhi. Each family received 25 kilograms of rice, 4 kilograms of soybeans, cooking oil, salt, and bottled water.

The assistance also included basic cooking equipment with gas stoves, pots, plates, ladles, cups, buckets, and water kettles. These supplies were prepared to meet the needs identified by the assessment team, helping families regain the basic means to prepare food and resume daily routines.

Continuing care as needs emerge

With flood and landslide warnings still in effect, the team checks weather and road conditions before each operation and maintains close communication with local government agencies and other organizations.

From immediate medical care and essential supplies to support families rebuilding their daily lives, Tzu Chi volunteers will continue to assess needs and provide assistance based on the conditions on the ground.

Written by Yi-Chien Chen (陳誼謙)