Australian Lutheran World Service

As I write this, we are still reeling from the devastating flash floods that swept through parts of Nepal, taking lives, destroying homes, washing away roads, bridges and infrastructure, and leaving many families displaced and uncertain about the future. Communities in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other areas along the Bhotekoshi River have been particularly impacted.  

In 2022, I had the opportunity to visit Nepal with ALWS and our close partners LWF Nepal. I met families, community leaders and local partners. I saw the resilience, strength and generosity that characterise so many Nepalese communities. It is because of these experiences and the close ties that many of us have with our partner countries that the current disaster feels especially personal. 

When we hear statistics about deaths, missing persons and damaged homes, it can be difficult to comprehend the reality people are facing. Beyond the immediate destruction is another question: What happens next? 

What happens when your home has been washed away? When your crops are destroyed? When your livestock, tools or business have disappeared? What happens when your family has lost not only shelter, but also the means to earn an income and rebuild? 

ALWS families and supporters are already working through our partner, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Nepal to respond. Working alongside civil society organisations, local governments and communities, you are helping provide emergency shelter, food, clean water and hygiene support to flood-affected families. Relief items including family tents, tarpaulins and kitchen kits have already been distributed to affected households.  

Recent assessments reveal the scale of the challenge ahead. Many families lack access to safe drinking water, most have only a few days of food supplies remaining, and all households assessed reported significant disruption to their livelihoods. Many are also dealing with the trauma and uncertainty that accompany such devastating loss.  

As educators, we understand that recovery is about more than physical rebuilding. We see every day how encouragement, support and opportunity help young people move forward after challenges and setbacks. Communities recovering from disaster need that same hope. 

In the months ahead, emergency relief will remain critical. But so too will the longer journey of recovery: rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, returning children to school and helping communities regain a sense of stability and hope for the future. LWF Nepal has committed to supporting both immediate relief and longer-term recovery efforts.  

As Lutheran learning communities, there are several ways we can stand alongside our neighbours in Nepal. 

Most importantly, please pray for families who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods; for emergency responders; and for the local staff and volunteers supporting recovery efforts.  

You may also wish to consider a simple school-based response. Some schools may choose to hold a “Wear Red for Nepal” day, inviting students and staff to wear red in solidarity and contribute a gold coin donation. Others might incorporate Nepal into chapel, class discussions or service-learning opportunities, helping students understand both the challenges communities face and the ways they can respond with compassion and hope. 

At ALWS, we often say that hope grows when people know they are not alone. 

The people of Nepal are facing an incredibly difficult journey. Together, through prayer, generosity and ongoing support, we can help remind them that they are not forgotten.

For more and updated information about the Nepal Flood Appeal, visit ALWS Nepal Emergency Response.