NEPAL FLOODS: AFTERMATH & RESPONSE
After the devastating floods in Nepal, MSI nurses are trekking to cut-off areas to support women with their reproductive health and choices.
August 2026
After a glacier collapsed, flash floods along Nepal's Trishuli River claimed more than 1,400 lives and thousands of homes. A tragedy that shocked and devastated the world.
MSI has a local programme in Nepal with almost 200 team members working to expand access to reproductive healthcare. Some of them witnessed this disaster firsthand and are still living through the aftermath.
They're going to extraordinary lengths to deliver contraception, abortion and other essential healthcare to the women who need them.
Ram Devi is an MSI youth mobiliser in Nepal.
"It was my daughter's birthday. I was on my way to work when a massive flood arrived.
I managed to reach safety on this side, towards the office, while my husband and children fled over to the other side. There was no contact with them for two days, then I learned that they were safe. Our family survived."
Ram Devi is an MSI nurse in Nepal.
"It was my daughter's birthday. I was on my way to work when a massive flood arrived.
I managed to reach safety on this side, towards the office, while my husband and children fled over to the other side. There was no contact with them for two days, then I learned that they were safe. Our family survived."
"My house was just past there, down on the lower side. Right now, not a single trace of the house can be seen. No belongings, no clothes. We could not retrieve a single item.
I have been staying at a holding centre. Seeing if the women have any health problems, telling them MSI reproductive health services are free. I've supported four or five women to receive services already.
My colleagues have also been going directly to homes to provide services."
"Life has been painful. But this work feels very rewarding."
The MSI Nepal team has been supporting the government relief response, while continuing the work they're known for: trekking into remote areas to provide reproductive healthcare. They remain undeterred from these journeys, knowing the importance of these services – especially in the wake of a disaster.
"Since the flood, abortion and contraception have become even more critical.
Many have lost their homes. Managing a pregnancy in a time like this is difficult."
Laxmi Kumari Rawal, MSI Nepal nurse
MSI nurse Divya Mishra, a 60L bag on her back, is trekking into communities to offer contraception and abortion services.
"We had to witness scenes we had never seen before. Right near the river, watching people being swept away.
Since this flood, so much has happened. There are no roads left. Going to the field has become difficult. In many places, there is no certainty of being able to reach people.
Nearby, over towards Trishuli, a tuin [cable crossing] is operating. Even for that we have to wait; our turn comes after two or three days."
MSI nurse Divya Mishra, a 60L bag on her back, is trekking into communities to offer contraception and abortion services.
"We had to witness scenes we had never seen before. Right near the river, watching people being swept away.
Since this flood, so much has happened. There are no roads left. Going to the field has become difficult. In many places, there is no certainty of being able to reach people.
Nearby, over towards Trishuli, a tuin [cable crossing] is operating. Even for that we have to wait; our turn comes after two or three days."
"I feel that safe abortion and family planning services are critical... if we do not deliver services at a time like this, people will end up at even greater risk.
That is why we go out there to provide services. We are travelling for 4, 5, 6 hours to get to some places. Due to damaged roads, places we used to reach in 1-2 hours now take as long as 10 hours."
"Carrying all the supplies and equipment in my bag while walking brings a sense of joy – knowing that we're able to provide sufficient services for all our clients.
For women in remote areas, they have no other option apart from MSI. There are no pharmacies, no medical clinics. Even where there is a health post, it is not always certified to provide such reproductive healthcare.
It is MSI that provides these services."
"I have provided services to people directly affected by the flood. Some of our clients did lose family members.
With living conditions disrupted, hygiene has been lacking – that's severely affected our clients' sexual and reproductive health."
"In many places we visit, the health posts are very far away, requiring people to climb high hills to get there. Many are new mothers who cannot make the trip. In such situations, we go directly house-to-house."
Shree Laxmi is a young mother of two. She is postpartum with a baby just six weeks old, as well as a child aged six.
"As the flood and landslide washed things away, it is not possible to travel now. Previously, I had to travel for maternal care, I could walk to Trishuli Hospital and catch a bus. Right now, there is no possibility of that, there is no road at all."
"When I chose the contraceptive implant method, they came right to our home and provided me with the service. It lasts for three years and I feel at peace. It is good for my health and it makes caring for my children easier.
Please continue coming to our homes to deliver services like this. This service is essential for all mothers, sisters, not just for me but for everyone across the entire village."
Women’s reproductive healthcare is often deprioritised during crisis situations. But it is essential.
Access to contraception and abortion gives women agency over their own body when so much else is out of their control. You can help.
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