As Roads Reopen, More Needs Come into View

Following the floods, some areas in Nepal were initially difficult to access due to damaged roads and bridges.

Over the past week, as the military and relevant authorities gradually restored access by constructing temporary bridges and reopening roads, MCDS has been able to reach more affected communities further north, including some in more remote areas, to carry out assessments and provide assistance.

As road access gradually improves, we are reaching more affected areas and seeing the different needs faced by families, from daily necessities to other forms of practical support.

🚙 Reaching Affected Communities and Identifying More Needs
MCDS teams continue to visit different communities and have found that affected families need more than food. Their needs also include cooking equipment, warm clothing and supplies, temporary shelter, and ongoing support for daily living.

Over the past few days, the team and local partners have carried out relief efforts in several areas:
Gerkhutar Ward 10｜79 families received gas cylinders and stoves
Kashitar Ward 8｜55 gas cylinders were distributed
Betrawati｜78 gas cylinders were distributed
Mandredhung-Bidur Ward 6｜135 families received rice
Devighat Ward No. 5 (Shree Chondra Jyoti Secondary School)｜The team continues to support temporary shelter construction, family registration and shelter management. So far, 25 tents have been completed and 20 families have been registered.

Some areas remain difficult to access. Teams have had to take detours, travel across rough terrain, and even use zip lines to cross rivers in order to reach affected communities.

⛺ From Emergency Relief to Shelter and Recovery
As schools resume classes, families who were temporarily sheltered in school buildings also need to relocate to new temporary camps.

In addition to distributing relief supplies, MCDS and local partners have therefore begun supporting shelter management, family registration and temporary shelter arrangements, while also engaging with local government on post-disaster recovery and resettlement needs.

Discussions are also underway on design standards for temporary shelters, as some affected families do not wish to remain in tents for an extended period. Relevant government guidelines and standards are still being discussed.

A few days ago, after the bridge leading towards the Kashitar area was repaired, MCDS travelled there as soon as possible to carry out an assessment and connect with local pastor Pr. Padam. His home and church were completely destroyed in the disaster, yet he continues to serve the local community. He has since gained the trust of the local government and has been appointed to coordinate the distribution of relief supplies, becoming an important link between the local authorities, affected families and the local church.

This reminds us that disaster response is not only about delivering relief supplies. It is also about building trust with local authorities, affected families and community partners, so that support can continue and communities can move step by step towards recovery and rebuilding.

💛 Fundraising Update
Our current fundraising target is RM70,000.
As of 9:45 a.m. on 18 September 2026, we have received RM93,103.77 in support.


HISTEAM
7979 Major Disaster Response Management
2026-09-22