As the devastating floods and landslides continue to affect communities across Nepal, we are relieved to share that all of the students supported through HCC programs are safe.
Five of our students were living and studying in Betrawati, Nuwakot, one of the areas severely affected by the recent floods. The extent of the destruction in the town has been widely reported, including by the BBC, which documented the impact of the flooding in Betrawati. All five have now been accounted for and are safe.
We have also brought some of our students from Nuwakot to Kathmandu, where we are providing them with safe shelter. For children who have suddenly been separated from their homes and familiar surroundings, having a secure place to stay is an important first step.
The scale of the destruction in Nuwakot and surrounding areas has been difficult to comprehend. Roads and bridges have been damaged, homes and schools have been swept away, and many families are still waiting for news of loved ones. Rescue and search operations are continuing, while communities begin to face the enormous task of recovering from the floods.
For HCC, our immediate priority is the safety and wellbeing of the children we support. We are grateful that our students are safe, and that we are able to bring those affected by the floods to Kathmandu and provide them with shelter, care and support.
This has been an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time for Nepal and for the communities we have worked alongside for many years. We are thankful that our HCC children are safe, and we will continue to stand with them and their communities as Nepal begins the long road to recovery.
