September 03, 2026 – Kathmandu -- Days after a devastating flash flood tore through Nepal, aid workers warn that contaminated water and overcrowded shelters are creating conditions for disease outbreaks among children.
The flood killed more than 900 people and left thousands missing
Official figures show more than 900 people died in the flash flood on August 26, with over 4,000 still missing. Rain continues to fall in the hardest-hit districts of Rasuwa and Nuwakot, raising the risk of further flash flooding.
Rotting remains and standing water line the road to Trishuli Bazar
Save the Children staff report numerous body bags along the route from Kathmandu to Trishuli Bazar, the economic center of Nuwakot district. Decomposing human and animal remains, uncollected waste, and stagnant water are compounding health risks for residents.
Contaminated water sources leave communities without clean drinking water
Debris has polluted many local water sources, cutting off access to clean water. Rain is washing mud into areas where displaced families have sought refuge, and some children in community shelters in higher elevations have spent multiple days outdoors.
Children are already being treated for fever and respiratory infections
Aid workers have encountered children in visibly poor health, some being treated for respiratory infections and fever. Amita, 56, who lost everything in the flood and now lives with her family in a camp in Nuwakot, said she and her relatives developed sore throats and fever after spending too long outdoors.
Tara Chettry, Save the Children's country director in Nepal, said overcrowded shelters, contaminated water, poor sanitation, and limited health care access are creating ideal conditions for outbreaks that could severely harm children.
Standing water raises the threat of dengue fever in flood-hit districts
In Rasuwa and Nuwakot, pooled water is creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing children's exposure to diseases such as dengue fever.
Aid teams are distributing water, blankets, and mosquito nets
Save the Children's emergency team is currently working in affected areas, handing out drinking water, tarpaulins, blankets, cooking sets, mosquito nets, baby kits, and hygiene items including toothbrushes. The organization is calling on governments, donors, and humanitarian partners to increase flexible emergency funding for Nepal.