Nepal Floods and the impact on animals and communities

On 26 August 2026, a glacial lake outburst and ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border triggered flash floods and landslides that tore through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors in central Nepal.

The disaster devastated districts including Chitwan, Nawalparasi East, Nawalparasi West, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Tanahu and Gorkha, sweeping away homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure.

As of the most recent figures from Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the death toll in Nepal had climbed past 1,350, with thousands more, including hundreds of foreign nationals and hydropower workers, still missing.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Our sympathies are with everyone affected

World Animal Protection is deeply saddened by the devastating loss of life and destruction caused by the disaster in Nepal.

Our thoughts remain with all those who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured or displaced, and the communities facing the enormous challenges of recovery. The scale of the tragedy has been heartbreaking, and our deepest sympathies are with everyone affected.

Animals: Nepal's hidden victims

The devastation caused by this disaster has had a profound impact on animals, who experience fear, pain and distress, just like us. Though the scale of their suffering and loss is all too easy to overlook. In the aftermath of disasters of this scale, animals are extremely vulnerable

Cattle, buffalo and goats have been swept away or left stranded without food, clean water or shelter. Treasured companion animals have been separated from their families, while wildlife along the flooded river corridors has been displaced, injured or killed.

For people in these communities, this is not only heartbreaking; it can also be devastating to their livelihoods. Losing animals can mean losing income, food and security, often for families with very little to fall back on.

Protecting animals and helping them recover is not separate from supporting people; it is an essential part of helping communities rebuild.

A disaster linked to climate change

This devastating disaster highlights the growing risks that climate change poses to people, animals and ecosystems.

Industrial animal agriculture is a significant driver of this through vast greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation due to its reliance on land for meat production.

This is an ineffective and unjust system which also confines billions of sentient animals in inhumane conditions.

World Animal Protection believes in order to protect people and animals from the impacts of climate-related disasters we need to end the food systems contributing to the climate crisis.

Supporting the response on the ground

In the aftermath of disasters, supporting the people and organisations on the ground is vital to ensuring that animals are cared for during relief and recovery efforts. We greatly value the vital work being undertaken by organisations supporting communities and animals in Nepal.

Our colleagues in Denmark are raising funds for the organisations with established resources in Nepal, including:

• Animal Nepal
• Jane Goodall Institute Nepal

• Voice of Animal Nepal

Send your support

Our thoughts remain with the people and animals affected, and with everyone working to aid the recovery.