Kopan Sangha after performing a Fire Puja dedicated to the victims of Rasuwa floods, September 11.
Source: Kopan Monastery School Facebook page.

More than a month has passed since the devastating floods of August 26 in the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi area, and the focus of humanitarian efforts has gradually shifted from search and rescue operations to relief, recovery, and helping families rebuild their lives.

According to the latest government report, as of September 21, the disaster has claimed 1,451 lives, while 5,745 people remain missing. The full extent of displacement is still difficult to determine. Many families have lost their homes or can no longer safely return to them, yet not everyone affected by displacement is captured in official records.

According to United Nations sources, nearly 4,000 displaced people were living across 37 displacement sites in Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dhading, and Kathmandu. However, many others are staying with relatives or host communities, or renting accommodation independently, often as families move out of overcrowded temporary shelters or seek alternatives to displacement centres. Among those affected are some of the most vulnerable members of society, including 1,685 pregnant women, 8,933 breastfeeding mothers, and 7,048 children under the age of five. In total, an estimated 22,100 children are among those affected by this tragedy.

Throughout this difficult period, the FPMT Emergency Relief Fund, together with Kopan Monastery and Kopan Nunnery, has continued to provide support to affected communities in a variety of ways.

On September 11, along the banks of the Trishuli River, Kopan Lama Gyupa offered a Fire Puja dedicated to those who lost their lives, those who remain missing, and all those suffering in the aftermath of the floods. Kopan monks and nuns dedicated prayers for those affected — that they receive protection, strength, and all the resources they need to recover from this disaster.

On September 21, Kopan Monastery contributed NPR 3 million to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. The donation was formally presented to the Honorable Finance Minister by representatives of the monastery as a gesture of solidarity with those affected by the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi floods.

Kopan representatives providing direct assistance to families affected by the Rasuwa floods, September 25, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Kopan Monastery Facebook page.

Further relief efforts continued on September 25, when FPMT Inc., Kleine Hilfe Deggendorf e.V., Yeshe Norbu Appeal, and Kopan Monastery Helping Hand provided direct financial assistance to families impacted by the disaster. Many people who have lost their houses are now in Kathmandu suddenly needing to pay for rent in a major city. It is deeply moving to see people arriving with dignity and hope despite everything they have lost and endured. 

Buddhist ritual items offered to Ama Chodingmo Haku Monastery in Rasuwa, September 28, 2026, Photo courtesy of the Kopan Monastery Facebook page.

On September 28, essential materials for performing prayers and rituals (pujas) were also provided to Ama Chodingmo Haku Monastery in Rasuwa, helping to support both the monastery and the surrounding community during this challenging time. Thanks to these combined efforts, more than 840 families have received direct assistance. We are deeply grateful to every partner, volunteer, and donor whose generosity has made this support possible.

While these activities have provided much-needed immediate relief, attention is increasingly turning toward longer-term recovery. Kopan Monastery is exploring ways to support families as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives and restoring stability.

The global response to the FPMT Emergency Relief Fund has been truly inspiring. In the first month after the fund was established, more than 1,000 individual donors and 21 organizations from around the world contributed to the effort. This remarkable outpouring of kindness and compassion provided hope at a time when it was needed most.

Kopan Monastery is carefully assessing needs and allocating assistance accordingly. Each case is being considered individually to help ensure that support reaches people facing the greatest hardships. Government plans are also looking toward longer-term resettlement, including providing safer land for families whose homes were lost along the Trishuli River. Kopan Monastery is pleased to support this long-term vision and remains committed to helping affected communities move toward a safer future.

We rejoice in the compassion and generosity of every donor who has contributed to this effort. Your support is bringing practical assistance, hope, and comfort to people facing unimaginable challenges.

Kopan Sangha walking along the banks of the Trishuli River, September 11, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Kopan Monastery School Facebook page.

On behalf of everyone at the FPMT Emergency Relief Fund, Kopan Monastery and Kopan Nunnery, thank you for your kindness and solidarity. We sincerely hope that recovery from this disaster will continue steadily in the months ahead, and we will keep you informed of relevant developments and future relief efforts.

You can read more about the emergency response here.

The FPMT Emergency Relief Fund provides immediate support to communities connected with FPMT around the world. The fund assists people and families affected by natural disasters, emergencies at FPMT centers and projects, and other urgent situations where immediate help is needed.