Bailiff to open public appeal fund for Nepal

Wednesday, 2 September 2026 10:31

Islanders will be asked to donate money to the people of Nepal through a Bailiff's Appeal.

Robert MacRae has revealed he intends to open a fund for the flood-hit communities.

The Bailiff says the scale of the devastation caused by last week's torrent is 'truly shocking'.

More than 1,000 people are confirmed to have died and around 4,000 others are still missing after a glacier collapsed, triggering a catastrophic landslide last Wednesday (26 August).

Whole communities, roads and bridges were swept away.

A statement from the Bailiff says: "My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, their homes or their livelihoods, and with the communities whose lives have been changed so suddenly.

"I must commend Jersey Overseas Aid for acting so swiftly to support the immediate humanitarian response. At this stage, the priority is providing emergency assistance to those affected and ensuring help reaches those who need it most.”

Mr MacRae says, once the immediate emergency relief has passed and there is a clearer picture of what affected communities will need to recover and rebuild, he intends to launch a Bailiff’s Appeal.

The official funds are typically set up in response to international or local emergencies - past examples have been following Storm Ciaran, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Bailiff hopes to find a specific project islanders' can give or raise money towards that will make a lasting difference.

"My hope is that we can support something which will have a meaningful and lasting benefit for a community in Nepal, and help them look towards the future after such a devastating event.”

Earlier this week, Jersey Overseas Aid allocated 200,000 to the British Red Cross working with partners on the ground in Nepal.