UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 1:15 PM EST

Matthew 25: Ministries is responding to the devastating flooding and landslides that overwhelmed communities along the Nepal-China border on Wednesday, August 26. A catastrophic torrent of water, ice, rock, mud and debris swept through the area following a massive slope failure involving a glacier in Nepal’s Langtang National Park, generating seismic activity equivalent to a 5.2 magnitude earthquake. A second seismic event, approximately equivalent to a 4.2 magnitude earthquake, was recorded three hours later. More than 1,300 fatalities have been reported, and over 5,200 people remain missing.

Flash flooding destroyed villages and devastated valleys and mountain passes, burying or destroying buildings and sweeping away roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. Nepal’s mountainous terrain, with steep slopes and deep valleys, is especially susceptible to devastating events. The debris flow moved through the Lhende Khola into the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, impacting the Rasuwagadhi border crossing and communities approximately 100 kilometers downstream. Initial estimates from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies indicated that approximately 93,000 people may have been affected. Assessments and relief efforts remain ongoing in hard-to-reach areas.

In 2015, Matthew 25 launched a multi-year response following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that impacted areas northwest of Kathmandu. Because Matthew 25 maintains partnerships throughout extended recovery periods and beyond, the organization was well-positioned to respond immediately to this disaster.

“This is a horrific event, and we are committed to standing with the people of Nepal both now and throughout the long recovery ahead,” said Tim Mettey, CEO of Matthew 25: Ministries. “No one can prepare for a disaster like this. People need immediate help, and they also need hope in this dire situation. We will help these families maintain their dignity and give them the strength to keep moving forward. Our partners are already on the ground providing critical aid to impacted communities, and we are committed to supporting them as they help people recover and rebuild.”

Immediately following the landslides, Matthew 25 provided funding to long-standing local partners to purchase and distribute food, medical supplies, personal care products and other essential aid. With this support, partners have conducted medical clinics and provided additional assistance to people in affected communities.

Matthew 25 is now working with trusted local partners to help rebuild homes and a community center in one of the hardest-hit areas. The community center is an important gathering place where residents can receive medical care, food, essential supplies, education and other vital services. Matthew 25 will continue providing funding and shipping additional aid through partners in Nepal as recovery and rebuilding efforts progress.

WAYS TO HELP

• Donate online or mail checks to Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 (100% of donated funds designated for the 2026 Nepal Flash Flooding & Landslide will be used for the purpose intended).

• Cases of bottled water: 12 and 24 count
• Personal care products: Antibacterial soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, lotion, etc.
• Cleaning supplies: Laundry detergents, general cleaner, sponges, bleach (powdered form is preferred), mops, scrub brushes, buckets, rubber gloves, etc.
• Paper products: Toilet paper, paper towels, etc.
• Baby and infant supplies: Diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, baby wash, baby shampoo, baby lotion, etc.
• First-aid items: Bandages, gauze, pads, first aid tape, antiseptic creams, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, latex gloves, instant cold packs, etc.
• Candles and flashlights: If necessary, please include the appropriate size batteries with any flashlight donation
• Clean-up supplies: Protective eyewear, work gloves, trash bags etc.

Additional Donation Drop-Off Locations:

Volunteering:

• Volunteers are essential to the work of Matthew 25: Ministries. If you are interested in volunteering at our facility in Blue Ash, OH please visit our volunteering page for more information on how to get involved.

Donors who would like to designate their financial gifts for the 2026 Nepal Flash Flooding & Landslide may do so by writing “2026 Nepal Flash Flooding & Landslide” in the memo line of their check or by typing it in the “Additional Information” field of the online giving form. Please mail checks to Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242. 100% of donated funds designated for the 2026 Nepal Flash Flooding & Landslide will be used for the purpose intended.