Nepal

Nepal is prone to natural disasters. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is helping communities be ready.

Last updated: 3 July 2024

Nepal is a global hot spot for disaster. Its fourth in the global index for climate change, with risks of flooding, landslides and other crises.

Vulnerabilities in Nepal are complex. The British Red Cross is supporting the population with nature-based solutions, addressing health inequalities and helping the Nepal Red Cross develop so they can help more people living in the country.

Donate to our Disaster Fund

Durga Budhathoki, her partner and their goats in their shed

Durga Budhathoki has been supported by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to start farming goats. PHOTO: British Red Cross / Nepal Red Cross

Nepal in numbers

  • Ranked 143rd in the Human Development Index.
  • 17.5% of the population lives in poverty.
  • Faces over 450 disaster events each year, and it’s increasing.
  • A magnitude of 6.4 earthquake hit western part of Nepal on 3 November 2023 in the Karnali province. 133 people died. The Nepal Red Cross distributed thousands of tarpaulins for shelters, blankets and mattresses, as well as hundreds of dignity and hygiene kits.

Red Cross and Red Crescent movement support

Nature based solutions

We’re combatting environmental poverty by using community-led, nature based solutions. This programme, running from 2024-2028, is improving the conservation of endangered species, protecting the environment and building community resilience to climate change.

Some of the key actions include ensuring vulnerable communities have access to opportunities that diversify their source of income and supports them to sustainably manage their natural resources.

Information learnt will be used to strengthen conservation policy and inform decision making. We’ll also establish locally-led information management systems for monitoring endangered species.

By the end of the programme, arable lands will be actively protected or conserved, people will see an increased income, women and girls will feel more empowered and community-based groups will be supported to conserve and govern natural resource use.

Addressing health inequalities

From 2022-2025, the British Red Cross is improving the health of the more disadvantaged population, focusing on reproductive health, sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene.

We’ll be strengthening local health facilities, partnering with local government, improving water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and primary health care infrastructure.

We’re also building up the capacity of healthcare facilities and ensuring births are attended by someone trained in health. 

Donate to our Disaster Fund