Abu dhabi: The devastating flash floods that swept through Nepal's Bhote Koshi-Trishuli river corridor on 26 August 2026 have taken a heavy toll on communities, killing over 1,000 people, forcing many to flee their homes, and causing extensive damage to agriculture and rural livelihoods.

According to Emirates News Agency, preliminary assessments indicate that around 1,800 hectares of crops, mostly paddy, were damaged, while thousands of livestock were killed. Farmland, fisheries, food stocks, and agricultural infrastructure were also affected, threatening the food security and incomes of farming families well beyond the immediate emergency.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is supporting the Government of Nepal's response, including through emergency veterinary support and assessments of damage to agriculture and rural livelihoods. FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol highlighted the disaster's impact, stating, "More than 1,000 people have lost their lives, thousands more remain unaccounted for, and entire communities have been affected. But this disaster has also washed away the means by which many families feed themselves and earn an income."

Bechdol noted that the FAO's preliminary assessment indicates around 1,800 hectares of crops have been damaged, mostly paddy fields, with production losses approaching 7,700 tonnes. The floods have also significantly impacted livestock, with more than 350,000 head of cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats, as well as 1.6 million poultry affected across 11 municipalities. Thousands of animals have been lost, with estimates suggesting that 5 to 10 percent of the livestock and poultry population in these communities may have been completely lost.

"Farmers will need seeds, while livestock will need feed and veterinary care. There is also an increased risk of animal disease following flooding like this. So vaccination, treatment, and disease surveillance will also be important," Bechdol added. The FAO is working with the Government to assess the full extent of the damage using field assessments, satellite, and remote-sensing technology to understand what farmers need to begin producing again.