UN appeals for $50 million for Nepal flood victims

The United Nations appealed Friday for $50 million to help more than 84,000 people in Nepal affected by catastrophic flooding, warning that winter was fast approaching.

The August 26 floods on the China-Nepal border, triggered by a glacial mountain collapse killed more than 1,325 people and left more than 5,600 missing. More than 800 foreigners from at least 34 countries are among the missing.

"Time is against them. For those who survived, the flood has taken almost everything that made daily life possible," the UN office in Nepal said.

The floods tore through mountain districts, destroying roads, bridges and hydropower dams.

"UN Nepal and partners are appealing for nearly $50 million to deliver cash, food, shelter, clean water, healthcare and other life-saving assistance to the most devastated communities," it said.

"Health authorities are already watching fever and diarrhoea in displacement centres," the UN appeal added.

"Human remains and thousands of dead livestock still lie in the debris, raising the risk of communicable disease outbreaks."

Communities near the epicentre remain cut off.

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"Families whose homes are gone need durable shelter in weeks, not months," the appeal said.

A UN preliminary assessment estimated building damage from Nepal's floods at $158 million alone, warning that total losses, including damage to roads and bridges, agricultural land and humanitarian costs, would be far higher.

Nepal has suggested the reconstruction bill could run into "billions" of dollars.