Cologne/Nuwakot. The full scale of the flash floods of 26 August is becoming clearer by the day: critical infrastructure has been destroyed, and more than 1,100 people lost their lives in the flash floods in the Himalayas. Survivors are struggling with the psychological impact of the disaster.
Together with local partner organization KOSHISH, Malteser International is providing psychosocial support in the severely affected district of Nuwakot and is currently expanding these services. At centers for displaced people, affected people receive psychosocial counselling, psychological first aid, and trauma-informed support.
“There is a significant need for psychosocial support, referrals, and follow-up care, particularly for families who have lost loved ones, people still awaiting information about missing family members, those who have experienced displacement and trauma, and people with psychosocial disabilities whose existing support systems may have been disrupted,” says Istvan Toth, Head of the Emergency Relief Department at Malteser International.
In addition, Malteser International and its local partner organization RSDC are assisting more than 2,000 people in Nuwakot District. Affected families receive tarpaulins, blankets, and mattresses. The distribution of hygiene items and water purification supplies aims to reduce health risks caused by contaminated water and inadequate sanitation. Food packages are also being provided.
Malteser International has been working with partner organizations in Nepal since 2012. Following the 2015 earthquake, RSDC and Malteser International supported communities in reconstruction efforts and in strengthening their resilience. Together with KOSHISH, Malteser International supports people living with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities.
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Istvan Toth, Head of the Emergency Relief Department at Malteser International, is available for interviews and soundbites.
Contact: Lena Berghoff, +49 (0)152 2399-7937; lena.berghoff@malteser-international.org
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Reference: “Nepal”
