Nepal's deadly floods have renewed calls for stronger international support for countries that contribute little to climate change but face some of its most destructive consequences, according to the United Nations.
The floods, triggered by a melting glacier, affected about 84,270 people and caused extensive damage to roads, schools, power grids and water systems across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading in northern Nepal.
By September 9, 1,367 people had been confirmed dead and 5,132 remained missing, including 587 foreign nationals. Rescue teams had brought 13,646 people to safety.
UN Resident Coordinator for Nepal Lila Pieters Yahia said the devastation Nepal has experienced is an extraordinary, stark illustration of the losses and damages that climate-vulnerable countries are increasingly facing.
Humanitarian access remains difficult in some of the worst-hit areas. In a first for an emergency operation in Nepal, the World Food Programme used cargo drones to deliver food to communities cut off by the floods.
The United Nations and the Government of Nepal have launched a $49.6 million flash appeal intended to reach 84,000 people before the end of December with shelter, healthcare, cash assistance and other emergency support. As of Wednesday, $22 million had been received.
Urgent priorities include restoring water systems, deploying mobile clinics for pregnant women and expanding mental-health services for people affected by the disaster.