Sewa International USA has released $100,000 for Nepal flood relief as volunteers work on the ground to rescue stranded people and provide emergency assistance, according to a press release from the organization. Sewa International Nepal volunteers are actively supporting ongoing relief efforts in the Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts.

The Texas-based humanitarian organization has launched a dedicated fundraiser to support immediate on-the-ground operations.

“Sewa has started a fundraiser, ‘Nepal Flash Flood Relief,’ and raised over $55,000 in the last 24 hours,” said Srikanth Gundavarapu, President of Sewa International USA, in the release. “Flash floods have devastated parts of Nepal, killing hundreds and sweeping away many devotees gathered for the Kailash Yatra. It is heart-wrenching to see the suffering and grief of people.”

Devastating Floods Impact Region

On August 26, catastrophic flash floods struck northern Nepal following a glacier collapse, avalanche, and landslide. The death toll has risen to 626, with at least 2,478 people missing, including 777 foreign nationals. An estimated 93,000 people have been severely affected, and more than 3,700 have been rescued.

Floodwaters carried mud, rocks, and debris through Himalayan river valleys, destroying homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities, water systems, and communication networks, creating significant challenges for rescue and relief teams. According to the press release, several Sewa International USA volunteers who were at the Nepal-Tibet border at the time of the disaster remain missing.

“Sewa Nepal volunteers are actively supporting the ground response by transporting relief materials to affected communities and assisting with local distribution and relief coordination,” Gundavarapu said. “Sewa stands with the people of Nepal and is committed to continuing relief work and taking up recovery and rebuilding efforts.”

Lost Homes and Emergency Response

“Sewa’s immediate priority is to help families who have lost their homes, are stranded, and face hunger, cold, and health emergencies,” said Vinayak Astekar, Sewa’s Associate Director for Disaster Response, in the press release. “We are working with Sewa International Bharat (India), sister organizations, and community partners to mobilize essential supplies, daily necessities, and volunteers.”

Within 48 hours, Sewa mobilized emergency shelter, protective gear, food, medical, and rescue supplies. Materials distributed include 300 heavy-duty 12-by-15-foot tarpaulins, foam mattresses, raincoats, ponchos, floating foam, water bottles, ration kits, cookies, and volunteer jackets. Medical provisions include paracetamol and approximately 5,000 packets of oral rehydration solution.

Community Support and Tracking Services for Diaspora Families

Highlighting its strong connection to the South Asian diaspora in the United States, Sewa is collaborating with several regional Indian American and Nepali American organizations, including the San Antonio Nepali Association (SANA), Nepali community partners in North Carolina, Aum Ashram San Antonio, Hindus of Greater Houston, and its broader network.

Sewa has established a missing-person tracking group to support concerned families and community members, with about 75 people registered to locate loved ones. The group plans to publish daily updates as information becomes available. A dedicated helpdesk has also been set up to collect and share details regarding Americans reported missing or stranded in Nepal.

Sewa is continuing to coordinate with ground teams to assess evolving conditions and mobilize additional resources for emergency relief, recovery, and long-term rebuilding.

Donors can support Sewa’s Nepal Flash Flood Relief efforts at:
https://sewausa.org/NepalFlashFloodRelief

This text was edited with the assistance of an AI tool and has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and clarity by India Currents.