ICPay promotes direct donations to Nepal flood relief fund

ICPay is directing users seeking to support relief efforts following the Nepal-Tibet floods to the Government of Nepal’s Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund, while stressing that it does not collect or hold donations itself.

The platform has published official government QR codes for payment services including NepalPay, Fonepay, UPI and eSewa, and is directing users to the government’s online relief portal for other forms of payment.

The appeal follows the catastrophic flooding and landslides that struck the Nepal-Tibet border region on 26 August after a glacial collapse sent water, rock, ice and debris through river valleys.

The disaster has killed hundreds of people and left thousands unaccounted for across Nepal and Tibet. Figures have continued to change as rescue teams reach previously inaccessible areas. Reuters reported on 30 August that around 750 people had died and more than 3,000 remained missing, while Chinese authorities reported 16 deaths and 546 missing in Tibet.

Rescue operations have continued across Nepal’s Rasuwa district and the Trishuli corridor, as well as around the Gyirong border area on the Chinese side. Damaged roads, bridges, unstable terrain and the scale of the debris have complicated access to affected communities.

Nepali authorities have also been searching hydropower facilities where workers were reported missing or trapped following the flooding. International assistance has included technical and humanitarian support as authorities work to locate survivors and recover those who died.

The flooding was triggered by a glacial collapse high in the Himalayas. Geological assessments reported by international media indicate that an ice and rock avalanche entered the river system, with the resulting debris and water producing a rapid surge downstream. Scientists have cautioned that it is too early to establish precisely how climate change contributed to this particular event, although Himalayan glaciers are experiencing rapid warming and ice loss.

The scale of the disaster has also affected foreign nationals travelling in the region, including pilgrims and trekkers heading towards Tibet. The Nepal Department of Tourism reported hundreds of foreign nationals among those who remained out of contact.

ICPay said its role is limited to publishing the official government payment information and that donations are made directly to the designated relief fund rather than through the platform.

People considering making a contribution are advised to verify payment details and the amount and currency before completing a transaction. The platform recommends using the official Government of Nepal portal for international donations, card payments and SWIFT transfers.