Supporting Flood Relief in Nepal: Dharma Drum Mountain Works Together With International Bodhisattva Sangha to Deliver Emergency Supplies

Nepal, the birthplace of the Buddha, has been struck by severe flooding. On August 26, a major glacial collapse occurred in the Himalayan region of northern Nepal, triggering floods that devastated mountainous areas and villages along downstream riverbanks. Dharma Drum Mountain Social Welfare and Charity Foundation immediately launched an assessment of the disaster and relief needs, and for several days coordinated with local Buddhist organizations in Nepal, relevant organizations in Taiwan, and Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association (DDMBA) in the United States, among other organizations both at home and abroad. In the first wave of relief efforts, assistance was dispatched along two channels. On August 31, the Foundation donated funds to International Bodhisattva Sangha (IBS), which has long been engaged in humanitarian work in Nepal, to support the delivery of emergency supplies directly to affected areas. In addition, through DDMBA in the United States, the Foundation donated US$50,000 to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to support humanitarian relief for children in the disaster areas.

Following news of the floods, Dharma Drum Mountain's Abbot President, Venerable Guo Huei (果暉法師), immediately instructed the Foundation to actively seek Buddhist organizations capable of reaching affected communities on the front lines, with the aim of enabling the Foundation to better understand the situation, contact past partners, and explore feasible channels for providing assistance. The Foundation recently learned that Venerable Master Hueiguang (慧光法師), abbot of IBS in Dali, Taichung, and his team had launched the “Nepal Rasuwa Flood Relief Project” and were already carrying out emergency relief operations in the affected areas. Given IBS's long-standing presence in the region, as well as its established network of Buddhist temples and relief workers, the Foundation made an initial donation of NT$500,000 (approximately US$15,800). Through IBS's local team, the funds are being used to deliver supplies to disaster-stricken communities.


“What the disaster areas need most right now is for basic necessities to be delivered to them,” said Hui-Chen Yeh (葉惠貞), CEO of IBS, who is currently in Kathmandu. The relief team has already delivered solar power generation equipment and medication for chronic illnesses to the severely affected Rasuwa district, addressing residents' urgent needs for electricity and essential medicines. Meanwhile, IBS practitioner Dr. Piya Ratna led 4 trucks loaded with relief supplies to the disaster area in Nuwakot. Roads have been in extremely poor condition following the disaster, and one of the trucks broke down en route. After more than five hours of repairs, the vehicle was able to continue its journey.

Elsewhere, novice monk Zongshun (宗順師) and Pramila, the school nurse at the Novice Monastic Academy, traveled to the shelter center at Gosok Phuntsok Choeling. They also distributed daily necessities—including hygiene products, toothbrushes, and toothpaste—to displaced residents. According to IBS's first-phase relief plan, assistance will prioritize the most urgent shelter and daily living needs of affected families. Relief items include tents, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, hygiene supplies, first-aid materials, and lighting equipment, as well as basic food such as rice, cooking oil, beans, and flour. These supplies will help residents who have lost their homes find temporary shelter, maintain their daily lives, and get through the most difficult period following the disaster.

The Foundation stated that, in addition to coordinating local Buddhist relief efforts, it will integrate resources with the DDMBA in the United States and work through UNICEF to provide assistance focused on children, women, and families, including temporary shelter, essential supplies, and clean water and sanitation.

Dharma Drum Mountain Social Welfare and Charity Foundation will continue to monitor post-disaster needs in Nepal. During the first phase, priority will be given to rapidly delivering emergency funds and supplies to affected areas. In the second phase, depending on how the disaster situation develops, the Foundation will assess opportunities to support longer-term efforts such as community recovery and the rebuilding of schools and other educational facilities. Dharma Drum Mountain prays that the people of Nepal's disaster-stricken communities will soon be free from suffering; that those who have passed away may rest in peace, the injured may recover, and those who remain missing may return safely to their loved ones; and that affected families may soon rebuild safe and peaceful homes.

Original text in Chinese: Dharma Drum Mountain Social Welfare and Charity Foundation 
Photos: Provided by International Bodhisattva Sangha (IBS)
Translation: Patricia Yang 
Editing: Keith Brown