Why WFP calls Nepal flood relief one of its toughest missions | Explained

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Flash flood survivors eat food inside a relief shelter at Devighat in Nepal's Nuwakot district on September 8, 2026. | Photo Credit: AFP

The story so far: Weeks after catastrophic floods hit Nepal , authorities are scrambling to mount a relief effort with over 6,000 people still missing and death toll climbing to 1,410. Aid operations in the disaster-hit country rank among the most challenging for the World Food Programme (WFP), its head said on Thursday (September 17, 2026).

Riaz Lodhi, head of the WFP in Nepal, said that the August 26 flash floods and its aftermath were among the “top three most challenging disasters” the agency had faced. The WFP, a branch of the United Nations which is committed to ending hunger and has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, provides relief in conflict and disaster zones.

While speaking about the Nepal situation, Mr. Lodhi cited the profound access challenge in the country. “We have seen disasters, we have seen earthquakes, we have seen disasters caused by floods, we have seen war situations, conflicts,” he told AFP . “We have had access challenges in many of these situations”, he added, but said the challenges in Nepal were extreme.

Workers unload emergency relief supplies from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) for flash flood victims at Tribhuvan International Airport's cargo area in Kathmandu on September 17, 2026. | Photo Credit: AFP

The flooding and landslides have displaced several people and have disrupted access to essential services. The WFP has said that the main operational constraint has been physical access to affected people. Several areas in the epicenter of the disaster remain cut off. A largely rural country, many people in Nepal live in mountain districts. The flash flood, reportedly triggered by a Himalayan glacial mountain collapse, wiped away key access points. Around 40 bridges have been damaged or destroyed and the risk of flooding persists making the terrain unstable. Mudslides and rubble have also hampered relief efforts.

Rasuwa and Nuwakot remain among the worst-affected areas. In Rasuwa, several communities are only reachable through air travel. “This is a very unique access challenge where, in some places, the only way to reach people is by helicopter,” Mr. Lodhi said.

Apart from being an expensive endeavor, the time taken to reach these places has also now increased. Rebuilding the necessary infrastructure is expected to take several weeks.

The Nepal government is working with the UN to help those affected by the deadly disaster. Relief supplies are being dispatched continuously by road and air while temporary bridges are being set up where necessary. Army Personnel are also using temporary zip lines to transport people from one river bank to another. The WFP has said that it is using drones to provide food to affected people. These drones can reportedly carry up to 100kg, depending on the operating conditions. Mr.