450 Solar Lights For Flood-affected Families in Rasuwa-Nuwakot: Distribution Campaign Wrapped Up!

450 Solar Lights For Flood-affected Families in Rasuwa-Nuwakot: Distribution Campaign Wrapped Up!

We are humbled to share that HELP, in partnership with Mondo Foundation, had the privilege to be a small contributor in responding to recent flood-affected areas through 450 solar lights distribution in Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Following our initial visit to the flood-affected areas of Bidur in Nuwakot for a preliminary assessment, we returned with something very basic but urgently needed: solar lights. A similar intervention was undertaken during the Helambu/Melamchi flood in 2021.

 

With severe damage to power lines and hydropower infrastructure, many displaced families in holding centres and the cut off villages were reported to be living in darkness. For communities cut off from the road network, the lack of electricity also meant limited access to communication and information.

 

In response to requests from several communities with whom we have worked closely over the years, HELP delivered 450 solar lights that include mobile charging capabilities primarily in Rasuwa as well as downstream communities in Nuwakot. 

 

The distribution included:

• 300 Solar lights on 5th September

  • 43 kits in Kalika Ward 2

  • 35 kits in Keraghari, Nuwakot

  • 176 kits in Haku, Aamachhodingmo Rural Municipality and Rasuwa upper area.

• 150 Solar lights on 14th & 15th September

Haku was particularly challenging to reach. The village had been completely cut off after roads, bridges and communication links were destroyed. The 164 solar kits were therefore airlifted by drone, with the support of the GBS and Roboaarambha team operating the drones and the Nepal Army personnel on the ground.

 

This marks the conclusion of our emergency solar light distribution campaign. Rather than continuing emergency distribution, HELP is now shifting its focus and resources toward education and maintaining its core programme. In the coming months, however, we will partner to distribute school bags and educational resources to more than 3,000 children. While we will not be participating in physical rebuilding efforts, we are focusing on recovery through emergency educational support.

 

To address this, HELP with support from our partners Mondo Foundation and GoGlobal Vermont, plans to support up to 50 students through a combination of emergency education grants and scholarships. Because the needs of children who have lost family or livelihood support are so diverse, we will evaluate and provide support on a case-by-case basis.

 

We are grateful to all the supporters, friends and local representatives who helped make this possible, including those who helped with both the funding and distribution.

 

To watch the video:  300 Solar Lights for Rasuwa! - YouTube
For photos: 300 Solar Lights to Rasuwa - Facebook Post