A message from Joanna Bega, our Chief Executive

A message from Joanna Bega, our Chief Executive

As you may have seen in the news, heavy monsoon rains have triggered devastating floods and landslides in Nepal. According to a recent report from the Nepal Police Headquarters, the death toll has climbed to 219, with many more still missing.

Fatalities have been reported in 22 districts, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur within the Kathmandu Valley itself. The disaster has caused widespread destruction and displaced thousands of people. Relief efforts are ongoing, but the full scale of the damage is still being assessed.

Natural disasters like these affect those already living on the edge, such as families living in informal settlements beside rivers.  Our thoughts go out to those who have lost loved ones, as well as homes, possessions and businesses.

We have been in touch with our colleagues in Nepal, who confirm that all of our staff and children are safe. They are currently contacting past beneficiaries to see if they or their families have been affected. We are also gathering information from schools we work with to see if they have been impacted by floods or landslides; many schools remain closed due to the adverse weather conditions.

The government has already offered Rs 15,000 in cash for each family affected (£90). If we find that there is a need for additional help, then we will be back in touch.

Thank you to all of you who have shown your concern through messages. Our staff in Nepal appreciate it very much.