Key Takeaways:

• 84,000 people affected, over 1,000 dead, thousands missing
• 43,000 people (10,000 families) need immediate humanitarian aid
• 40+ bridges damaged/destroyed, many Rasuwa villages accessible only by helicopter
• WFP dispatched food for 8,000 people, procured 180 tonnes more, aims to reach 43,000+
• Kathmandu Humanitarian Staging Area at TIA operating 24/7 as logistics hub
• WFP warns of nutrition crisis; faces $6M funding shortfall

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 5 The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has scaled up its emergency response in Nepal as communities affected by flash floods and landslides remain isolated due to damaged roads, destroyed bridges and difficult terrain. More than 84,000 people have been affected by the disaster in northern Nepal, while more than 1,000 people have been reported dead and thousands remain missing, according to government estimates cited by the WFP. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority estimates that around 43,000 people, or 10,000 families, require immediate humanitarian assistance. Physical access remains the biggest challenge, particularly in Rasuwa, where several communities can only be reached by helicopter. More than 40 bridges have been damaged or destroyed, while unstable terrain and the risk of further flooding are complicating both ground and air operations. WFP dispatched emergency food assistance for 5,000 people within hours of the disaster. During the first week, it distributed food sufficient for 8,000 people for 15 days and has since procured an additional 180 tonnes of food. The agency said it was prepared to expand assistance to 43,000 people or more as assessments provide a clearer picture of needs. Initial distributions will prioritise the worst-affected areas of Rasuwa, particularly locations where local markets are no longer functioning. WFP also warned that the disaster could worsen existing nutrition problems, with disrupted markets, lost livelihoods and reduced access to nutritious food increasing risks for vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, the Kathmandu Humanitarian Staging Area at Tribhuvan International Airport is operating around the clock as a logistics hub for the government-led relief operation. It is being used to receive, organise and dispatch emergency supplies to affected communities. WFP has deployed specialist emergency and logistics teams to assess options for reaching remote areas and is on standby to provide air support, including helicopters and unmanned aircraft. The WFP-led Logistics and Telecommunications Cluster is also being activated to coordinate emergency logistics, telecommunications and information management among humanitarian agencies. The agency said it was already facing a US$6 million funding shortfall for its operations in Nepal over the next six months before the disaster, with funding requirements expected to increase as the emergency response expands.