UNICEF says thousands of children require mental health support after Nepal floods
UNICEF Says Thousands of Children Need Mental Health Support After Nepal Floods
Qinilo.com – UNICEF says thousands of children require urgent mental health and psychosocial support nearly three weeks after catastrophic flash floods devastated northern Nepal. An estimated 17,000 children need assistance as families recover from a disaster that damaged homes, schools and vital infrastructure.
The floods began on 26 August after a glacier collapse affected Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. More than 84,000 people were affected, including around 32,000 children. Roads, electricity networks, water systems and school buildings sustained major damage, compounding the challenges facing displaced families.
Local authorities have recorded more than 1,300 deaths on Nepal’s side of the border, with over 5,000 people still missing. Official Chinese Government figures reported at least 43 deaths and 519 missing people on the Tibetan side.
Children face trauma after the floods
For young survivors, the impact extends far beyond the physical destruction. Many children witnessed deaths, lost their homes or saw schools become unusable. The flooding began at 8:37 a.m. local time, when many children were starting their school day.
UNICEF says thousands of children are coping with fear, grief and anxiety after losing familiar routines, caregivers or safe places to learn. Some may struggle to describe what they experienced, making trusted adults and accessible support especially important during recovery.
UNICEF says 541 children remain separated from their families and need protection services. Eighteen children have been reunited with relatives, while tracing and reunification efforts continue. Children who have lost both parents may need alternative family-based care, and protection teams are working to identify children at risk of exploitation.
“Beyond the visible destruction, these floods have left deep emotional scars on children and families. Alongside humanitarian supplies and restoration of critical infrastructure, children need mental health and psychosocial support to help them process what happened, regain a sense of security and begin to recover.”
Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative in Nepal, said the response must address children’s emotional wellbeing alongside urgent needs such as shelter, clean water, health care and restored infrastructure.
Early care can support long-term recovery
Shitanshu Dhakal, a doctor at a hospital in Nuwakot and a mental health advocate, described trauma as one of the less visible consequences of the floods. While damaged roads and buildings can be seen immediately, children’s distress may remain hidden long after the emergency.
“Children must be at the centre of the mental health response, with immediate psychological first aid and sustained support to prevent long-term consequences,” Dr. Dhakal said.
UNICEF says thousands of children could benefit from psychological first aid, safe spaces, regular routines and contact with family members. These measures can help children regain a sense of safety while communities rebuild.
UNICEF is working with the Nepal Government and partners on mental health services, child protection and family reunification. Thirteen UNICEF-supported Child-Friendly Spaces have been established in affected areas, giving children safer places for structured activities, peer connection and support.
Schools are central to recovery
Nine schools were severely damaged or destroyed, disrupting education for children already dealing with loss and displacement. Restoring learning is about more than rebuilding classrooms: schools can offer stability, social connection and access to protection services after a crisis.
Education Cannot Wait, the United Nations global fund for education in emergencies, committed $1 million to reach 17,000 children in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. The funding will provide education and protection assistance to 5,000 children, while 12,000 others will receive support through broader education recovery efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What support is available for children affected by the Nepal floods?
Children can receive mental health and psychosocial support, child protection assistance, family tracing and reunification services, and activities through UNICEF-supported Child-Friendly Spaces in affected areas.
Why is returning to school important after a disaster?
Schools can help restore routine, learning and social contact. They may also connect children and families with trusted adults, protection services and additional support during recovery.
What should families do if a child is distressed after flooding?
Families can provide reassurance, maintain safe routines where possible and seek help from available health, protection or humanitarian services. Children who are separated from relatives should be referred promptly to family tracing and reunification teams.