ADB approves $5 million emergency grant for Nepal flood relief

Manila, Philippines, August 28, 2026 — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $5 million emergency grant to support rescue and relief operations following the devastating floods and debris flows that struck communities along Nepal’s Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems on August 26.

ADB President Masato Kanda said the assistance would help affected communities access essential supplies and services, including food, safe drinking water, shelter and medicines.

“The losses are devastating and are still being counted, but this assistance will help deliver essential support to people who need it most,” Kanda said.

According to the ADB, the disaster has caused deaths, injuries and displacement, while severely damaging homes, infrastructure and essential services in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.

The government has declared the affected areas disaster crisis-affected zones and is leading emergency response operations. Search and rescue activities and assessments of damage and losses are continuing.

The emergency grant, financed through the ADB’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, will support the purchase and deployment of search-and-rescue equipment and medical supplies. It will also fund food, drinking water, temporary shelters, sanitation and hygiene materials, debris removal, emergency stabilization and logistical operations.

The development bank said it is coordinating with the Government of Nepal, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, UN agencies and other development partners to assess the evolving situation and support immediate relief and recovery.

Separately, the ADB is processing up to $150,000 through another disaster-response facility to support a post-disaster needs assessment and recovery planning. The assessment will examine damage and economic losses, identify needs across sectors and establish priorities for recovery and potential reconstruction projects.

ADB said it would continue working with Nepal during the immediate emergency response and through the longer-term recovery and reconstruction phase.