Jersey Overseas Aid is considering how the Island could help Nepal after catastrophic floods and landslides left hundreds dead and many more missing.

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said the organisation was “monitoring the situation closely” and would work with its partners and the relevant authorities to establish where Jersey could provide support.

“I am sure that many Islanders’ thoughts are with the people of Nepal following the devastating flooding that has caused such loss, destruction and disruption,” he said.

“The Government of Jersey stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal at this difficult time.”

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.

The United Nations and several countries have begun mobilising humanitarian support for Nepal, including emergency shelter, clean water and sanitation supplies.

JOA said in a statement this afternoon: “JOA is closely monitoring the transboundary flooding that has resulted in significant loss of life, widespread displacement, and extensive damage across several districts in northern Nepal, one of JOA’s target countries. 

“We are in regular contact with our partner organisations in Nepal to confirm the safety and wellbeing of their staff and communities, and to better understand the evolving humanitarian needs on the ground. We will continue to closely follow the situation and the wider emergency response efforts. JOA has received a number of funding requests from humanitarian agencies responding to the crisis. These requests will be assessed and presented to Commissioners for consideration in line with our emergency response procedures.

“We will provide further updates as the situation develops and communicate any emergency funding allocations that are approved.”