Jersey responds to devastating floods in Nepal

Posted 01/09/2026:

Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) has allocated £200,000 in emergency funding to the British Red Cross on behalf of the people of Jersey to support humanitarian relief and recovery efforts following the devastating floods in Nepal, which have caused loss of life, displacement and widespread damage to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods.

The floods began on 26 August 2026 and have sent destructive floodwaters through several districts in northern and central Nepal. Hundreds of people have been killed, many remain missing, and thousands have been affected as communities continue to grapple with damaged roads, destroyed homes and disrupted essential services. Access to some of the worst-affected areas remains challenging, complicating relief efforts and assessments of humanitarian need.

The funding, approved less than a week after the disaster, will be provided through the British Red Cross and delivered in partnership with the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), which was among the first organisations to respond following the disaster. The approved funding builds on JOA's existing support to the Nepal Red Cross Society, helping to ensure resources can be channelled through established local systems, volunteer networks and response mechanisms that are already supporting affected communities. The grant will support a range of emergency and recovery activities, including access to safe water, emergency shelter, cash assistance, psychosocial support and livelihood recovery for affected communities.

Deputy Carolyn Labey, Minister for International Development and Chair of the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission, said:

"The scale of devastation caused by these floods is deeply distressing, and our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods. By working through the Red Cross, an established and trusted local organisation with extensive community reach, we can help ensure assistance reaches those most affected quickly and effectively while supporting longer-term recovery and resilience.

“Nepal is a country with which Jersey shares longstanding ties. Over many years, Islanders have travelled to Nepal through JOA’s community work projects, supported organisations working in the country, including the Gurkha Welfare Trust, and built strong personal connections with Nepalese communities.

“In the immediate aftermath of the floods, the Chief Minister, on behalf of the Government of Jersey, expressed his sympathy for the people of Nepal and reaffirmed Jersey's solidarity with those affected by the disaster, and we have been working to enable practical support to be provided.”

JOA continues to monitor the situation closely and is actively reviewing the latest information from our partners.

Posted 28/08/26

Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) is closely monitoring the significant transboundary flooding that has resulted in loss of life, widespread displacement, and extensive damage across several districts in Northern Nepal, one of JOA’s target countries.

We are in regular contact with our partner organisations in Nepal to confirm the safety and wellbeing of their staff and communities, and to better understand the evolving humanitarian needs on the ground. We will continue to closely follow the situation and the wider emergency response efforts. JOA has received a number of funding requests from humanitarian agencies responding to the crisis. These requests will be assessed and presented to Commissioners for consideration in line with our emergency response procedures.

We will provide further updates as the situation develops and communicate any emergency funding allocations that are approved.

FAQs: JOA Response 

The people of Jersey have a strong tradition of generosity and compassion in times of crisis. We recognise and appreciate the desire of Islanders to help those affected by humanitarian disasters. 

The information below explains how JOA is responding, why we take this approach, and how Islanders can best contribute to international emergency efforts. 

If you have any questions or would like to speak with the team, please feel free to contact us at enquiries@joa.je or call the office on +44 1534 446901  to arrange a time to meet with JOA. 

How can Islanders support? 

JOA is the Island’s official relief and development agency, funded by the Government of Jersey. JOA is not a charity and therefore cannot accept physical or monetary donations from the public. JOA works closely with trusted humanitarian partners to ensure that support is delivered in the most effective, coordinated, and impactful way possible. 

Islanders who wish to support those affected by humanitarian emergencies, can contribute directly to established appeals by humanitarian organisations responding on the ground. 

Sending money, not physical items, is the quickest and most cost-effective way to provide life-saving support. 

Is JOA sending physical donations? 

No. While well-intentioned, the collection and shipment of physical goods is not part of JOA’s humanitarian funding approach. 

We recognise that many people want to help by donating items, and this comes from a place of generosity. However, experience from humanitarian responses shows that sending physical goods is often slow, costly, and can overwhelm local systems, sometimes creating additional logistical burdens for responders. In many emergencies, a significant proportion of donated items cannot be used. 

Global humanitarian evidence consistently shows that financial assistance is faster, more flexible, and more effective in meeting people’s needs. 

Instead, JOA works through trusted humanitarian partners already operating in affected areas. These organisations collaborate with local groups to assess needs and deliver appropriate, timely assistance. 

JOA’s approach aligns with international best practice and is designed to ensure aid is effective, accountable, and delivered in a way that maintains the dignity of those receiving it. 

How has JOA responded? 

It takes time for humanitarian actors to assess needs and coordinate effectively with government ministries, UN agencies, and other stakeholders. 

JOA has been proactively engaging with its trusted humanitarian partners to review emerging information and identify the most effective and appropriate response options. This careful approach ensures that support is evidence-based, well-coordinated, and reaches those most in need. 

Updates regarding JOA Humanitarian Funding are available here.  

How does JOA allocate funding? 

JOA works with a network of preapproved humanitarian partners that: 

• Align with JOA’s strategic priorities 

• Meet strict eligibility criteria 

• Pass a rigorous due diligence process 

This ensures accountability, transparency, and confidence for Jersey taxpayers, while maintaining compliance with internationally recognised standards. 

JOA funding is directed towards well-coordinated response efforts that address unmet needs in humanitarian crises. All funding allocations are formally reviewed and approved by JOA’s Commissioners.