On 26 August, flash floods entering from the Tibetan border left a trail of total destruction in central Nepal. Entire villages were swept away, not only near the border but also much farther downstream along the Bhotekhoshi River and beyond. Thousands of people have been confirmed dead, and many more are still missing. Our Nepali team is safe, but almost everyone lost someone in the disaster.

Standing together from the first days

Within days of the disaster, we mobilised our international network. Donors and well-wishers answered the call, and together we have already raised 8500 euros for flood relief. Many of you also shared our appeal, and every share carried it further.

Two weeks after the disaster, several board members of our Akasha Academy NGO, handed the Finance Minister a first cheque of around €8,500 for the Disaster Relief Fund of the Nepali government. It was a small moment with a big meaning: your generosity arriving exactly where it was needed.

Moments of hope

Even in grief, there have been rays of light. People were rescued alive days after the floods, and Nepal’s private sector has contributed generously to the relief fund. Across borders, people have shown that compassion travels fast.

On 7 September, our Nepali team also gathered to light candles and remember everyone who lost their life, every family carrying the pain of unimaginable loss, and everyone whose lives have been deeply affected by this tragedy.

 

Five organizations, one promise

The rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower and a symbol of the country’s beauty and resilience. It is also the spirit behind a new alliance: five NGOs working in different fields, united by a deep love for Nepal, have joined forces to support the country in the aftermath of the devastating floods, until those affected have a new perspective in life.

 

Targeted support is needed now, but also in two, four or six months. Whether it is medical care, rebuilding infrastructure or creating future opportunities through education, we are committed to providing support together, in both the short and the long term.

In close coordination with one another and with our Nepali partner organizations, we continuously assess what will be needed on the ground in the months ahead. We will direct your donations to where they can have the greatest possible impact. To learn more about what is already happening and how you can help, read more here.

Be part of the next chapter

None of this is possible without you: the donors, the supporters, the people who shared our call, and our partners on the ground. Here is how you can help:

  • Donate through our updated Betterplace page, where you can also see what is already underway and what is planned.
  • Share this initiative with your network.
  • Follow our updates. More news is coming soon.

Together, we can help Nepal recover and rebuild, until the rhododendron blooms again.

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