Nepal is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. Serious earthquakes struck near the capital, Kathmandu, in 2015. They affected 5.6 million people and got worldwide media coverage.
However, many people don’t realise that during the monsoon season floods can be a serious problem. People living in Nepal’s flat southern plains known as the Terai are badly affected. Seven rivers flow through the Jhapa region of the Terai, making it particularly prone to flooding.
Hundreds of thousands of people are at risk of flood water entering their homes, contaminating drinking water and damaging their farms or businesses. Economic and health problems can follow.
Poverty is also a serious problem and many men work abroad to support their families. The women left behind must then look after their children, older relatives, farms, livestock and communities by themselves.
Following a successful project run nearby, the British Red Cross now works with the Nepal Red Cross Society to do similar work in communities across the Jhapa region. Together we will support 54,000 people in 54 communities to reduce their risk from floods and other disasters.
This includes damming and redirecting rivers, training in first aid and search and rescue, and helping families to earn a living.
Find out how we're helping.