In late August 2026, devastating flash floods struck the Bhotekoshi River region of Nepal, claiming 1,453 lives and leaving 5,745 missing as of September 24, 2026, according to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The disaster destroyed homes and settlements and caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, vehicles, power infrastructure, and other essential facilities. Search and rescue operations by the Government of Nepal and local authorities are continuing, although damaged roads and difficult terrain have made these efforts challenging. Many affected families urgently need food, safe drinking water, clothing, and shelter.
Immediate Relief
Sri Sathya Sai International Organization (SSSIO) Nepal responded immediately. In coordination with local authorities and partner organizations, a dedicated team of volunteers has been providing food, drinking water, clothing, and other emergency relief materials to those in need. The first phase of this relief program was completed in early September 2026.
During this phase, dry food items, biscuits, noodles, drinking water, protein packets, and other essential supplies were distributed in Galchhi Rural Municipality, Dhading District, and in Battar, Nuwakot District. In Galchhi, relief materials reached approximately 280 severely affected families, and volunteers met with local government authorities to coordinate forthcoming relief and service activities.
In Nuwakot, relief efforts focused closely on the local Sai community, including devotees of the Sri Sathya Sai Center in Trishuli, which was severely affected by the flood. Volunteers provided relief materials to those who had lost their homes and were facing great hardship, and held discussions on long-term relief and rehabilitation programs based on the needs of the affected communities.
The service activities were carried out with the enthusiastic participation of Sai devotees, Center Presidents, National Council members, and Young Adult volunteers. The program was led by Mr. Prabhat Deep Adhikari, National Council President, with significant contributions from Mr. Shailendra Raj Bhattarai, Service Coordinator; Mr. Arun Bahadur Shrestha, National Disaster Management Coordinator; and Mr. Shailes Gautam, Mr. Himanshu Acharya, and Mr. Ankit Baskota, among others.
Looking Ahead
SSSIO Nepal will continue to work in cooperation with local governments to provide relief, rehabilitation, and long-term service initiatives for the affected communities. Periodic updates on these efforts will be shared at the Sri Sathya Sai International Organization websites as more information is available.
If you wish to contribute to these humanitarian relief efforts, please visit the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation Webpage and indicate “Humanitarian Assistance” in the message or memo section of your check, wire transfer, Zelle or PayPal contributions. In addition, please send an email to info@sathyasai.org with your contact information and contribution details, including “Humanitarian Assistance” in the subject line.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has reminded us that sincere prayer is among the most powerful means of alleviating grief and suffering. At this difficult time, let us unite in earnest prayer to Swami to shower His divine love, protection, and blessings upon all those affected by this tragedy, and upon the relief workers and volunteers serving the impacted communities.
“Manava seva is Madhava seva”
–Service to humanity is service to God.
