Nepal Floods: Young Mothers Recall Harrowing Hospital Ordeal 2026

In the wake of Nepal's devastating floods, young mothers like Pooja Pariyal recount the living hell they endured. For three days, Pariyal, 21, waited on the roof of Trishuli hospital with her three-month-old daughter, Ridhika, as catastrophic flash floods surged through the Himalayan border region in August. The floods, which also affected Tibet, destroyed most of her town, turning it into a sea of mud.

Pariyal was one of about 50 patients – including five newborn babies – and medical staff stranded at the hospital. "Those three days were living hell for me, with no food, no working toilet and no one to help with the baby," she says. "I had nothing to clean my baby's soiled clothes. My milk supply had reduced because I was hungry and this poor little thing would cry her lungs out."

The Ordeal on the Roof

During the day, the group climbed to the top of the building and scanned the sky for helicopters. At night, they went down into the hospital wards to rest, though Pariyal got little sleep. On the fourth day, an army helicopter finally arrived to evacuate the stranded group. Pariyal and her baby, who was diagnosed with pneumonia shortly after their rescue, are now living with about 125 other people, sharing 25 tents at Lamibagaichha holding centre, a temporary site in the town of Bidur, a couple of miles south of Trishuli.

The floods have left thousands homeless and in urgent need of aid. The Nepali government and international organizations are struggling to provide adequate shelter, food, and medical care. The situation is particularly dire for young mothers and their infants, who are vulnerable to disease and malnutrition.

Impact on Young Mothers and Infants

The floods have had a disproportionate impact on young mothers and their babies. Many, like Pariyal, were already in vulnerable situations before the disaster. The lack of clean water, sanitation, and healthcare access has exacerbated their plight. Pneumonia and other respiratory infections are common among infants in overcrowded temporary shelters.

According to local health workers, the number of cases of diarrhea and respiratory infections among children has spiked since the floods. The government has set up temporary health camps, but resources are stretched thin. International aid agencies are calling for more support to prevent a secondary health crisis.

Key Challenges Faced by Survivors

• Lack of clean water and sanitation: Increases risk of waterborne diseases.
• Overcrowded shelters: Facilitates the spread of infectious diseases.
• Limited access to healthcare: Many survivors cannot reach hospitals or clinics.
• Food shortages: Malnutrition weakens immune systems, especially in infants.
• Psychological trauma: The experience of the floods leaves deep emotional scars.

Comparing Flood Impacts: Nepal vs. Other Regions

The scale of the Nepal floods is comparable to other major natural disasters in South Asia. However, the response has been complicated by the region's rugged terrain and poor infrastructure. The table below compares key aspects of the Nepal floods with similar events in the region. The background to this story is set out in Nepal Floods: 3,000 Missing, Hospital Morgues Overwhelmed. A related thread runs through British National Rescued in Nepal Flash Floods. Earlier coverage in Nepal Flash Floods: Climate Crisis Link Revealed shows how the argument developed.

International Response and Aid

International aid has been slow to arrive in some of the worst-hit areas. The Nepali government has appealed for more assistance, particularly for temporary shelters, food, and medical supplies. Several NGOs are on the ground, but access to remote villages remains a challenge. A closer look at the same subject appears in Nepal Floods: 33 Britons Missing After Deadly Flash Floods. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Australian Missing in Nepal-Tibet Floods Found Alive. The same theme surfaces in Nepal Floods DNA Identification: Families Seek Closure, which takes a different angle.

The United Nations has launched a flash appeal to raise funds for the relief effort. However, the response has been criticized as insufficient given the scale of the disaster. Many survivors are still waiting for basic necessities. Context on how this played out before sits in Australians Missing in Nepal Floods Rise to 39. A companion piece, Nepal Floods: Families Rush to Find Missing Britons, approaches the same subject from another angle.

FAQ

What caused the Nepal floods?

The floods were caused by unusually heavy monsoon rains that led to flash flooding in the Himalayan region. Climate change is believed to have intensified the rainfall.

How many people were affected?

Thousands of people were displaced, and over 200 lost their lives. Many more are still missing.

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How can I help the victims?

You can donate to reputable organizations such as the Red Cross, UNICEF, or local NGOs working on the ground. Financial contributions are often the most effective way to help.

The ordeal of Pooja Pariyal and other young mothers highlights the urgent need for better disaster preparedness and response in Nepal. As the region recovers, it is crucial that the international community steps up to support the survivors, especially the most vulnerable.