Jersey is stepping in with £200,000 of support to help communities devastated by catastrophic flooding thousands of miles away in a country many Islanders have developed “strong personal connections” with through years of aid projects, it has been confirmed this afternoon.

The money for Nepal has been approved less than a week after the disaster – which prompted a pledge of support from the Chief Minister – and will support everything from emergency shelter and safe drinking water to cash assistance and helping people rebuild their livelihoods.

The funding is being provided by Jersey Overseas Aid to the British Red Cross and will be delivered on the ground through the Nepal Red Cross Society.

An ongoing disaster

The disaster struck the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday after the collapse of part of a glacier sent ice, rock and debris into a valley, triggering devastating flooding downstream.

Nepalese police said at least 475 people had died and hundreds remained missing. The missing included foreign tourists, members of Nepal’s army and police officers.

Deaths and disappearances were also reported on the Tibetan side of the border, although it remained unclear whether some people were included in both the Nepalese and Chinese figures.

Search-and-rescue operations are continuing, but fears of further flooding have complicated the response. 

Debris may have blocked parts of the Trishuli River, potentially creating unstable natural dams which could burst and unleash further floods.

“Over many years, Islanders have travelled to Nepal through JOA’s community work projects, supported organisations working in the country, including the Gurkha Welfare Trust, and built strong personal connections with Nepalese communities.”

Hundreds of people have been killed since flooding began on 26 August, with many still missing and thousands affected across northern and central Nepal.

Homes and roads have been destroyed and essential services disrupted, while difficulties reaching some of the worst-hit areas have complicated the humanitarian response.

A longstanding Jersey connection

But Nepal is not simply another recipient of Jersey’s international aid.

Over the years, Islanders have travelled there as part of JOA community work projects, while Jersey has supported organisations working in the country including the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

JOA also already supports the Nepal Red Cross Society – meaning the latest £200,000 can be channelled through established networks already working with affected communities.

International Development Minister Carolyn Labey said: “Nepal is a country with which Jersey shares longstanding ties.

She added that working through the Red Cross would help ensure assistance reached those most affected “quickly and effectively” while also supporting longer-term recovery.

The grant will help provide safe water, emergency shelter, cash assistance and psychosocial support, as well as helping people restore livelihoods following the disaster.

JOA said it was continuing to monitor the situation and review information from its partners.