NUM conveys its message of solidarity with the people of Nepal following the devastating flash floods

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) conveys its message of support to the people of Nepal following the devastating flash floods which swept across the Nepal-China border.

The NUM, as an international trade union, is heavily touched by this devastating natural disaster and wishes to convey its deepest condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones since the floods hit, with over 1200 people reported to have lost their lives. At this stage, about 4 000 people are still missing. The search and rescue operations are continuing.

We would like to convey our message of support to the people of Nepal during this challenging times. The people of Nepal are currently going through a lot as most families are displaced and are without shelters, food and medicine.

“As the NUM, we are all the international communities, including our own South African government to urgently intervene and provide humanitarian support”, said the NUM General Secretary Mpho Phakedi who is also the General Secretary of the WFTU Energy and Chemical Trade Union International (TUI).

The floods, which started on 26 August 2026, have resulted in enormous devastation that largely affected the working-class and the poor communities whose entire livelihoods have been swept away with very little hope for recovery without concrete measures towards rebuilding.

There are also foreign nationals (including South Africans) who are also impacted in the broader disaster areas.

The disaster is expected to have a very large economic impact because it damaged several strategic sectors simultaneously.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Mpho Phakedi, NUM General Secretary: 082 882 3452

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/10086002340