Samaritan’s Purse Completes Response to Nepal Floods

October 5, 2017 • Nepal

Our teams provided relief in the wake of historic flooding.

More than 11 million people across southeastern Nepal were affected by devastating August floods that caused extensive damage throughout the region. The floods were the worst the South Asian nation has seen in more than a decade.

Our teams distributed emergency relief items to families impacted by the floods.

We distributed emergency supplies to families impacted by the floods.

Thousands of families were displaced and 100,000 people had to be rescued from raging floodwaters. At least 128 people died. Torrential monsoon rains destroyed rice crops and agricultural land and killed a large number of livestock.

Working in Jesus’ Name, Samaritan’s Purse responded to the crisis by distributing relief supplies such as kitchen kits and mosquito nets. We provided non-food items and hygiene kits to 5,840 Nepali families.

Our medical teams treated more than 3,330 children and adults, and our water distribution teams reached more than 2,000 families with water purification tablets. We also rehabilitated drinking wells and provided clean drinking water to households in desperate need.

Reaching the Untouchables

Dhirendar lives on an isolated, poverty-stricken island community in Nepal’s Saptari District where our teams distributed hygiene kits and non-food items. The village floods so often that the school is usually closed at least four months every year.

“Although we know we will suffer from floods every year we do not know of an option to move on,” Dhirendar said.

He can’t relocate because his community is one of Dalits, or untouchables—the lowest of the low in the Hindu caste hierarchy. They lack access to educational and employment opportunities, as well as quality health care.

Ram, who also lives in Dhirendar’s village, expressed gratitude for the work of Samaritan’s Purse among a people who are largely forgotten.

“We are very thankful for your care toward isolated people like us.”

A Narrow Escape

After the floods, 83-year-old Jaleshwor received water purification tablets from Samaritan’s Purse. Jaleshwor has lived in Nepal all his life and had never seen such catastrophic flooding.

Children and adults were glad to receive items such as hygiene and kitchen kits.

Children and adults were glad to receive items such as hygiene and kitchen kits.

“My heart cried when I saw my birthplace being washed away,” he said. “I felt as if it was the last day of my life as I struggled to get out of the water.”

Jaleshwor was home alone when floodwaters threatened because his two sons were at the market. He had to quickly find higher ground as the water continued to rise.

“Since most of our villagers are involved in agriculture we faced a huge loss after the flood,” he said. “It is really sad to see people suffering from losing their property and struggling with health problems.”

Please pray for the people of Nepal as they continue to recover. We thank God for the opportunities we had to be the hands and feet of Christ in a country where less than 2 percent of the population are professing Christians.

SUPPORT
Thirty tons of emergency relief from Samaritan's Purse has arrived in the Bahamas.
International Emergency Relief When natural disasters strike or armed conflict causes people to flee, Samaritan's Purse responds quickly to bring relief to those in urgent need. We can provide food, clean water, and shelter, among other necessities. One way we help in disaster situations is by handing out “family survival kits” that include warm blankets, buckets with water filters, cooking utensils, soap, and other daily essentials. For just $45, we can provide a lifeline to a family that has lost everything, to help them get back on their feet.

International Emergency Relief 013310
Suggested Gift: $45
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