Supporting Flood-Affected Mothers and Newborns in Nepal’s Hardest-Hit Districts

SITUATION REPORT

Due to continuous heavy rainfall from September 27 - 29, 2024, many people have been severely affected, particularly in the Bagmati and Madhesh provinces. These regions have experienced significant flooding and landslides. Although the government and non-governmental organizations are responding to the crisis, the support provided so far is insufficient given the scale of the disaster. The needs are vast across all affected areas, and we are currently working to identify the most impacted individuals in our focus regions, particularly in Bagmati and Madhesh provinces. These are districts where One Heart Worldwide has been working: we have completed our program in Kavrepalanchok in 2023, are transitioning in Sarlahi, and are actively implementing programs in Rautahat.

Sarlahi District from Madhesh province:

According to the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC), the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Cluster Meeting, and various media reports, 1,670 households have been affected by the recent flooding in the district, impacting 22,307 people. Of these, 477 households have been completely displaced. Among the affected population, 1,672 pregnant and recently delivered women have also been impacted. Tragically, three deaths have been reported. Many homes remain flooded, making it extremely difficult for residents to stay inside (as per the DDMC/MCH Cluster Meeting).

According to information from health workers in the affected communities, pregnant women, recently delivered women, children, and elderly individuals have been severely impacted by the flooding. Many people have been displaced and are forced to live in the open without proper shelter. While Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) services continue at local health facilities, access has become difficult due to the displacement of the population. Three health facilities in the district were affected by the flood but have resumed services after the rains stopped.

The District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) has urged both government and non-governmental organizations working in the district to coordinate with them to provide food and non-food items to the flood-affected population. In close collaboration with local partners, including RRPK, BWSN, and Save the Children, the DDMC has distributed food aid to affected families, targeting 100 households in Dhankaul Rural Municipality and 100 households in Balra Municipality.

Local governments and the health office have also planned to set up temporary health service points and deploy health workers to visit households to assess the health conditions of affected individuals.

Rautahat District from Madhesh province:

The overflow of the Bagmati and Lalbakaiya rivers has caused widespread flooding across the Rautahat district. According to an initial emergency rapid surveillance report, the flood has affected 17 out of 18 municipalities in Rautahat, either completely or partially. Thanks to the early warning systems and information shared via social media, many people were aware of the impending disaster and managed to reduce its impact. Despite these efforts, two people lost their lives, six were injured, and 45 houses were destroyed, while 130 were partially affected. Additionally, 1,890 households have been displaced, resulting in the displacement of 5,595 individuals, according to a bulletin released by the District Administrative Office of Rautahat.

A District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) meeting was held on October 1, 2024, chaired by Mr. Hiralal Regmi, the Chief District Officer, to assess the damage and outline necessary steps for immediate response, long-term recovery, and preventive efforts. The meeting was attended by local government officials, district-level stakeholders, and representatives from INGOs, NGOs, and the private sector. It was decided that each local government (Palika) would receive an immediate allocation of Rs. 2,00,000 (Two Lakh) to support relief efforts for those affected by the flood.

According to the latest bulletin, only Oxfam and RDC have distributed relief supplies to 850 households in Durgabhagwati Rural Municipality. The aid included essential food items such as rice, lentils (dal), sugar, salt, oil, clothing, and ready-to-eat items like beaten rice, dalmoth, and biscuits.

Additionally, 11 health posts have been affected by the flooding. However, no significant damage has been reported, as confirmed by communication with the respective health facility and Palika coordinators.

Kavrepalanchok District from Bagmati province:

Nine health facilities were severely impacted by floods and landslides, five of which were fully damaged and four partially damaged. They requested OHW for the Medical tents, medical equipment, supplies, medicine, and furniture for continuing health services at damaged health facilities and relief materials (shelter, food, cloth, and hygiene), especially for pregnant and recently delivered women. According to news in the media so many people, and communities were displaced because of the landslide, however, currently, we are not physically present at Kavrepalanchowk. In this condition, we may not be able to find out the real affected people so we are planning to support a fully damaged health facility to resume their regular services from health facilities ie primary care focusing on prevention, promotion, and first aid treatment.

One Heart Worldwide’s Emergency Response

One Heart Worldwide has received requests for support from the districts of Rautahat, Sarlahi, and Kavre due to the recent flooding. The requested items include dignity kits, winterization kits, tents, kitchen items, food items, and medical tents with equipment and supplies.

OHW’s immediate response focuses on delivering dignity kits to Rautahat and Sarlahi, along with tents and food items to both districts. Additionally, we are setting up birthing tents in Kavre, ensuring safe deliveries and critical care for pregnant women and new mothers. Each birthing tent is fully equipped with essential medical supplies to support safe childbirth in these affected areas. OHW remains committed to supporting the most vulnerable populations in all three districts during this emergency.