University of Bristol student Ivan Lewis launches initiative to strengthen safety and preparedness in Bethanchowk after devastating Nepal floods

University of Bristol student Ivan Lewis launches initiative to strengthen safety and preparedness in Bethanchowk after devastating Nepal floods

(IN BRIEF) The University of Bristol student Ivan Lewis has launched a resilience project in Bethanchowk, Nepal, after catastrophic floods destroyed homes, schools, and the only health clinic in the municipality in 2024. His initiative, supported by fundraising efforts and linked to his work with the Himshikhara Socio-cultural Society, will provide first aid supplies, emergency training, and a structured evacuation plan to protect residents from future disasters. Ivan’s efforts, which have already raised over £1,000, are backed by the University through the Turing Scheme and praised by both University leaders and local partners for their role in helping to rebuild stronger, safer communities.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRISTOL, 29-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Bristol has highlighted the work of Ivan Lewis, a Liberal Arts student specialising in Anthropology, who has taken decisive action to support flood-hit communities in Nepal. After catastrophic flooding devastated the Kathmandu region in September 2024, Ivan launched a community resilience project in Bethanchowk, one of the rural municipalities most severely affected.

Ivan travelled to Nepal through the University of Bristol’s participation in the UK government’s Turing Scheme, joining the Himshikhara Socio-cultural Society, a small non-profit based in Kathmandu. While there, he directly witnessed the widespread destruction caused by record rainfall, which triggered severe floods and landslides that destroyed more than 400 homes, wiped out schools and community buildings, and left the municipality without its only health clinic.

Motivated by the urgent needs of the community, Ivan initiated a project aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness in Bethanchowk. The initiative is focused on supplying first aid kits, offering emergency response training, and developing an evacuation plan supported by a transport system to ensure people can leave safely if further floods or landslides occur. A fundraising campaign has already gathered over £1,000 to help put these measures into place.

Ivan explained that climate projections indicate a serious risk of further floods during the upcoming monsoon season and stressed the importance of acting now. He praised the hospitality and kindness shown to him by the people of Bethanchowk and urged wider support to help protect such vulnerable communities.

University leaders have applauded Ivan’s dedication. Professor Michele Acuto, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, said the University is proud of students like Ivan who use their education to make a real difference around the globe. The Himshikhara Socio-cultural Society echoed this sentiment, noting that Ivan’s contribution is already having a positive impact on families affected by the disaster while also setting an inspiring example of international solidarity and compassion.

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SOURCE: University of Bristol