The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on Thursday appealed for $31 million to provide emergency assistance to people affected by devastating flash floods and landslides along Nepal’s border with Tibet. The Switzerland-based federation said the funding would support immediate disaster response and later help with medium- and long-term recovery and rehabilitation over the next two years.

The IFRC had previously released 1 million Swiss francs for immediate life-saving operations. Its secretary general, Jagan Chapagain, said the scale of the disaster was gradually becoming clearer, with entire villages known to have been swept away. He said needs would increase in the coming hours and days, while people who lost homes and livelihoods would require long-term support.

The cold water and mud surge struck on Wednesday with force compared to a tsunami wave, submerging settlements and damaging homes, bridges and dams. About 93,000 people may have been affected, although assessments continue in remote areas. Damaged transport infrastructure is complicating damage assessments and aid delivery. Nepal Red Cross teams are already distributing food, water, tarpaulins, blankets, first-aid supplies, stretchers and body bags.