Standing with families after the 2026 Flash Floods
On 26 August 2026, a devastating flash flood swept through communities along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors in Nepal. Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading were among the areas severely affected. Homes, roads, bridges, schools and other essential facilities were damaged or destroyed, leaving many families facing an uncertain future. Thousands of children have also been affected by the disaster.
For COYON, this is not simply a disaster reported in the news. These are communities and families we know and care about.
COYON on the ground
In September, the COYON team travelled to flood affected communities around Betrawati and nearby areas to provide food and essential supplies to families who were in urgent need of support.
On the second week of September 2026, COYON reached the Betrawati area with food and other essential supplies for 500+ families.
Seeing the situation first hand was deeply painful. The scale of the destruction was difficult to describe. Places that were once homes, shops, roads and familiar community spaces had been covered by mud, stones and debris. Families were trying to cope with the loss of homes, belongings and livelihoods while facing an uncertain future.
After the desaster, the main road to Rasuwa was wiped our and journey on alternative road itself was extremely difficult. The road towards Rasuwa was muddy, damaged and heavily crowded, making travel slow and dangerous. Despite these challenges, reaching the affected communities and delivering support to families in need was important to us.
Relief is only the beginning
Emergency food and basic supplies are essential in the first days and weeks after a disaster. But recovery does not end when the immediate emergency is over. Families will need continued support to rebuild their lives. Children will need to return to learning. Schools will need educational materials and safe spaces. Children who have experienced fear, loss or displacement may also need emotional and psychosocial support. UNICEF has highlighted the need for safe spaces, continued education and psychosocial care for children affected by the floods. This is why COYON is looking beyond immediate relief. We are exploring ways to support affected schools and children through education recovery, learning materials, psychosocial support, disaster awareness and resilience activities.
Rebuilding hope for children
COYON has been working for children, education and youth empowerment since 2002. Our experience has taught us that providing material support is important, but helping children regain a sense of safety, confidence and hope is equally important. The recent disaster reminds us how vulnerable communities can be to natural hazards and how important it is to prepare children and schools for future emergencies. We believe recovery should give children more than a place to study. It should give them the opportunity to learn, play, feel safe, understand risks and imagine a future beyond the disaster.
We need to stand together
The needs of affected families are still enormous. COYON will continue to work with local communities, schools, volunteers and partners to identify needs and provide practical support where we can. We are grateful to everyone who has already contributed time, resources and encouragement. Every food package, school material, helping hand and act of kindness makes a difference.
The flood may have taken away homes and belongings, but together we can help protect something that cannot be replaced: the hope and future of our children.
COYON remains committed to standing with affected families and helping communities rebuild with dignity, resilience and hope.