The 'Nepal Floods Appeal' opened by Anglican Missions this week will help Anglicans across Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia to support people affected by the flash flood disaster in northern Nepal.

On 26 August, a surge of water, ice and debris tore down the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, sweeping away homes, workplaces, roads, bridges, power lines and hydropower facilities. By 28 August, as well as thousands of people losing their livelihoods, at least 540 people had been reported killed and around 1500 remained missing.

More than 50,000 people are now estimated to need emergency assistance. Damaged roads and collapsed bridges are making it particularly difficult to reach survivors with food, safe water, medical treatment and shelter. In reports from the Diocese of Sydney, at least nine Nepalese Anglican parishioners are counted among those reported dead in the aftermath of the floods, while still others remain missing.

Anglican Missions is responding through its Aotearoa-New Zealand based aid and development partner Tearfund, which has three Nepal-based partners already working in affected areas. They are assessing needs and coordinating with communities, local authorities and other humanitarian organisations so that help reaches the places where it will make the greatest difference.

Alongside urgent food, water, shelter and medical care, Nepalese NGO partners and local authorities are preparing to respond to the deep emotional impact of the disaster.

One key partner on the ground is 'Share and Care Nepal', a Christian non-profit organization founded in the 1990s by a Nepalese Christian dentist, which serves the health care needs of vulnerable people in Nepal's rural areas through community development. Share and Care has long-established links with Tearfund in Aotearoa New Zealand.

For Anglican parishes, ministries and individuals in Aotearoa New Zealand, giving through Anglican Missions is a fast and effective way to support this locally-led response in its critical early days.

To donate through the Anglican Missions Nepal Floods Appeal, follow the link below and select 'Nepal' from the drop-down menu in the donation form. https://anglicanmissions.org.nz/appeals/nepal/