Nepal, Oct. 8 -- At the compound of the District Coordination Committee in Bidur, Nuwakot around two weeks ago, flood survivors rummaged through piles of relief supplies, picking out what they needed. Some picked up plates, bowls and water jugs. Others reached for cooking pans and ladles. Nearby were stacks of food, clothes and other household essentials.

For people who had lost their homes in the Bhotekoshi floods and were now living in temporary shelters or rented rooms, being able to choose what they needed themselves was a small measure of dignity.

Watching them from a corner was Malaysian music teacher Wong Siew Ngan, visibly emotional. She had travelled from Malaysia with relief supplies such as antiseptic ointment, towels and soc...