Jersey's government 'stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal'

Friday, 28 August 2026 08:22

By Harry Booth

Jersey's Chief Minister says his government stands in solidarity with the people in Nepal, following the devastating flash floods there.

Nearly 500 people have been confirmed dead, with over 1,000 unaccounted for - including 33 UK nationals.

The disaster was caused by a collapsed glacier.

Authorities in Nepal and China are worried there could be more flooding, with lakes on either side of the border in the Himalayas at risk of overflowing.

It's prompted panic in towns and villages below it, with people trying to flee to higher ground.

Rescuers are still searching for survivors.

In a post on social media, Senator Lyndon Farnham said Jersey Overseas Aid is monitoring the situation closely and will look at where the island can provide support and assistance.

Jersey Overseas Aid sent £250,000 of emergency funding earlier this summer to support humanitarian relief efforts in Venezuela, after devastation caused by twin earthquakes.

In a statement, JOA said:

"JOA is closely monitoring the significant transboundary flooding that has resulted in 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."