Flood Disasters in Nepal (2000-2026): A rapid review of epidemiological trends, health impacts and health system preparedness and response

Abstract

Background: Floods are among Nepal’s most frequent climate-sensitive disasters, causing recurrent mortality, displacement, infrastructure damage, and public health emergencies. The objective of this review was to synthesize evidence on the epidemiology, health impacts, health system preparedness and response associated with major floods in Nepal from 2000 to 2026.

Methods: A rapid review of flood-related disasters (2000-2026) was conducted using Emergency Events Database EM-DAT, government and humanitarian reports and peer-reviewed literature.

Results: Forty major flood disasters were identified, most triggered by intense monsoon rainfall and often accompanied by landslides. The August 2026 floods along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors were the deadliest event, causing 6,342 deaths and affecting over 84,000 people. Other major disasters included nationwide floods and landslides in 2020 (448 deaths), floods in 2003 (300 deaths), the Jure landslide and Sun Koshi disaster in 2014 (294 deaths), and floods in 2024 (268 deaths). The 2024 floods affected the largest population (2.59 million). Common health impacts included waterborne and respiratory diseases, malnutrition, psychosocial distress, and disruption of health services and infrastructure.

Conclusions: Floods remain a major public health challenge in Nepal. Strengthening climate-resilient health systems, early warning, preparedness, emergency response, and disease surveillance is essential to reduce future risks and build national resilience.