Ireland donates €500,000 to Nepal relief with death toll at 626, 2,500 missing

James Cox

Ireland has announced €500,000 in emergency assistance as the Nepal flooding death toll hit 626, with 2,500 people missing.

The flash flooding on August 26th has caused widespread devastsation and displacement.

On the Chinese side of the border, state media has reported seven people dead and 554 people missing.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee and Minister of State for international development Neale Richmond announced €500,000 in emergency funding to support relief efforts following the devastating floods and landslides in Nepal.

Ireland’s €500,000 contribution will support the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), Nepal Floods Appeal and will be channelled to the Nepalese Red Cross to provide urgent assistance to those most affected.

The humanitarian priorities currently include emergency shelter, safe drinking water, basic relief items, first aid and health support, as well as restoring access to communities that have been isolated by the flooding and landslides. While initial assessments are ongoing, more than 10,000 households are estimated to require immediate assistance.

McEntee said: "Our support is focused on helping communities respond to this crisis and begin the difficult process of recovery."

Richmond said: "Ireland has a proud history of responding to need when disasters strike. The flooding and landslides in Nepal have had a devastating impact, claiming lives, displacing families and causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The funding announced today will support the IFRC and the Nepalese Red Cross as they deliver life-saving support to those affected."

Two Irish citizens, who have been named by the Nepalese Tourism Department as 46-year-old Santosh Sahu and 18-year-old Spandan Sahu, are among those missing following the floods.