×

News publications and other organizations are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

When republishing:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
  • If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
  • With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
  • If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief)

Republishing Images:

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
  • Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.

For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.

Nepal Flash Floods: Direct Relief Mobilizing Aid Around Medical Needs

In addition to mobilizing medical aid, Direct Relief is providing an emergency operating grant to Mountain Heart Nepal, which connects medical care and outreach to Nepal's hardest-to-reach areas, including communities now affected by the flood.

News

Nepal

A major landslide swept through the border region of Nepal and Tibet on Aug. 26, 2026. This photo shows an area near Gyirong Port, a major land port connecting Tibet and Nepal.
A major landslide swept through the border region of Nepal and the Chinese territory of Tibet on Aug. 26, 2026. This photo shows an area near Gyirong Port, a major land port connecting Tibet and Nepal.(Photo by Xinhua via AFP)

At least 160 people were killed, and hundreds remain missing after a catastrophic flash flood swept through border areas of Nepal and the Chinese territory of Tibet on Wednesday.

Infrastructure in and around the Bhatekoshi River, including bridges and buildings, was swept away during the deluge, which may have been triggered by an ice avalanche from a breaking glacier. Rescues were continuing across the region on Wednesday, and health needs are expected to rise. Health providers will administer trauma and wound care, surgery, blood products, and antibiotics, and resources will be needed for emergency medical teams and first responders.

Direct Relief is mobilizing support around potential medical needs in the region and is in communication with partner organizations.

Direct Relief has shared a list of available medical inventory with Nepal’s Ministry of Health, as well as nonprofit organizations in the country, including Mountain Heart Nepal, which connects medical care and outreach to the country’s hard-to-access areas.

The organization is providing an emergency operating grant to Mountain Heart Nepal to support their work, which includes mobilizing emergency medical teams for immediate deployment to flood-affected communities, equipped with previously pre-positioned Direct Relief field medic packs.

Direct Relief has a long history of support for Nepal, including during the country’s devastating 2015 earthquake, which killed 9,000 people and caused massive damage to infrastructure, including health services.

Since 2009, Direct Relief has provided more than $119 million in medical aid to Nepal across 48 partner organizations, 206 shipments, 638,000 lbs. of aid, and 34.9 million defined daily doses of medicine — including a $287,000 shipment of diabetes and cancer medications delivered this month, before the flood struck.

The organization will continue to respond to medical needs as they become known.

Nepal-Tibet Flash Flood 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in the Nepal-Tibet flash flood?

A catastrophic flash flood swept through border areas of Nepal and the Chinese territory of Tibet, likely triggered by an ice avalanche from a breaking glacier. Infrastructure in and around the Bhatekoshi River, including bridges and buildings, was swept away. Rescue operations are ongoing, and figures on those killed and missing are still being confirmed by authorities.

What caused the flood?

The flooding may have been triggered by an ice avalanche from a breaking glacier above the Bhatekoshi River, sending a surge of water, mud and debris downstream into populated areas.

What medical needs are expected after the flood?

Health needs are expected to rise as rescues continue. Providers will likely need to administer trauma and wound care, surgery, blood products and antibiotics, along with resources for emergency medical teams and first responders working in the affected region.

What is Direct Relief doing in response?

Direct Relief is mobilizing support around potential medical needs and communicating with partner organizations in the region. It has shared a list of available medical inventory with Nepal’s Ministry of Health and with nonprofit organizations in the country, including Mountain Heart Nepal, which connects medical care and outreach to Nepal’s hard-to-access areas.

What is Direct Relief’s history of support in Nepal?

Direct Relief has supported health needs in Nepal since 2009, providing more than $119 million in medical aid to the country. This includes support during Nepal’s devastating 2015 earthquake, which killed 9,000 people and caused massive damage to infrastructure, including health services.

Giving is Good Medicine

You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.

Hear From Direct Relief

Get stories, emergency updates, and humanitarian impact delivered to your inbox.