The Orange Initiative
Nepal Flood 2024
The October 2024 floods in Nepal, triggered by unprecedented rainfall and exacerbated by climate vulnerability, caused widespread devastation across 21 districts. Key impacts include 23 deaths, 17,000+ displaced individuals, and over 17 billion NPR in economic losses, with agriculture (6 billion NPR) and infrastructure (roads, energy, water systems) suffering the heaviest damage. Critical challenges include disrupted rescue operations due to blocked roads, destroyed health facilities, heightened risks of waterborne diseases, and damage to 190 schools affecting 25,000 children. Agriculture faced catastrophic losses, including 46,569 hectares of paddy land and fish farms, threatening food security. Logistics collapsed as floods washed away bridges, blocked highways, and damaged hydropower plants, isolating communities. Over 4,600 homes were fully destroyed, displacing thousands into temporary shelters. Cultural practices, poor urban planning, and environmental degradation worsened the crisis. Urgent priorities include rebuilding climate-resilient infrastructure, enhancing disaster preparedness, ensuring mental health support, and addressing long-term risks through nature-based solutions and social security reforms.
The Project Red
The Project Red Booklet highlights the challenges faced by deaf adolescent girls in Nepal in managing menstruation due to cultural stigma, limited access to hygiene products, water scarcity, and inadequate sanitation facilities. Cultural practices isolate them, while physical discomfort and emotional stress disrupt education and daily life. The Orange Initiative advocates for improved menstrual health education, reusable pad-making training, male involvement in awareness, and better water access to empower girls and dismantle taboos, fostering a supportive and equitable environment.
