Island-based charity says 'difficult days ahead' in Nepal

Hundreds dead following devastating flash floods

A charity with links to the Isle of Man and Nepal says there are "difficult days ahead" after devastating flash floods.

The Pahar Trust Nepal, which supports the development of educational facilities in the region, has reacted after hundreds of people died this week.

The work of Howard Green, a former headteacher at Michael School, is the reason Kirk Michael is twinned with the village of Ghamrang.

While the group does not have projects in the region affected by this disaster it says it's seen the impact of flooding and landslides in other parts of the country.

In years gone by the Manx Government has supported the Pahar Trust's work in the form of grants.

In a statement the PTN said: "Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal today following the devastating flash floods along the Bhote Koshi River and with the families and communities in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts who have been most affected by this tragedy.

"The flooding has caused devastating loss of life and widespread damage, and for families who have lost loved ones, the effects of this tragedy will be felt for years to come. 

"With roads and bridges swept away and infrastructure damaged, getting power, food and clean water to communities already living in remote and difficult-to-reach areas will be an even greater challenge.

"Roads have been washed away, cutting communities off from essential services and leaving children facing hours-long journeys along difficult alternative trails just to get to school.

"Nepal's steep Himalayan landscape, combined with heavy monsoon rains, already makes communities highly vulnerable to floods and landslides, as well as earthquakes and other hazards. 

"Climate change is adding to these challenges, with rising temperatures contributing to the retreat of Himalayan glaciers and increasing risks for communities downstream. 

"Nepal is one of the countries that has contributed the least to global climate change yet its people are among those facing some of its most serious impacts.

"As an organisation working to build safer, more resilient schools and health centres in rural Nepal, we know how important resilient infrastructure is to communities facing these challenges.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by these devastating floods, and with the families, communities and emergency teams facing the difficult days ahead."