Nepal Flood Newsletter — September 6
The death toll from Nepal’s flash flood has reached 1,342, with 4,916 people remaining missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. The government continues search and rescue operations.
Specialized tunnel rescue teams from India, China, and South Korea are coordinating with the Nepali Army to locate stranded workers using international aid equipment, including drones, heavy load carriers, and specialized gear.
Reinforcing the joint effort, an 11-member Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) arrived with nine requested high-capacity drones to support ongoing subterranean search operations.
Additional equipment and technical personnel are being deployed to continue search and rescue operations at the affected hydropower projects, including Upper Trishuli 1, Upper Trishuli 3A, Upper Trishuli 3B, Chilime, Rasuwagadhi and Langtang, among others.
Slight discrepancies between Police and Authority data have created some confusion. As of 6 PM on September 6, only 98 bodies have been identified and handed over to their families.
Nepal has further requested for high capacity drones, LiDAR, bailey bridges, items for epidemic prevention, DNA testing kits, bags for human remains, flood rescue truck, mobile air traffic control system, ground penetrating radar, high accuracy laser meter, broadband seismometers, high-capacity surge pump, laboratory freezers, mud rescue complete suit, inflatable walkway, mud lance, rescue sled, among others.
The total number of treated injured people has reached 6,083, while 3,912 displaced individuals are living in holding centers, for whom the government will need to build temporary housing. Over 13,000 people have been rescued over the past 12 days. Authorities have restored electricity to 78 percent of Rasuwa, 96 percent of Nuwakot, and 99 percent of Dhading.
The Nepal government has begun discussions regarding the post-flood recovery and reconstruction assistance it requires. In a meeting with Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stated that following humanitarian assistance and the supply of relief materials, the government's next priority is building back resilient, durable, and better infrastructure.
A preliminary assessment conducted under the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) indicates that approximately 7,570 houses—affecting around 32,933 people—and 48 government offices have been damaged. Similarly, 55 kilometers of roads, 37 motorable bridges, and 68 suspension bridges have suffered damage.
Approximately 1,806 hectares of agricultural land, 13 hydropower projects, one solar power plant, and two transmission lines have also been affected. The assessment further indicates that 783 MW of hydropower generation capacity has been disrupted.
Reports indicate that sufficient relief materials have not reached some rural areas of Rasuwa due to road blockages. Relief supplies are piling up in Nuwakot, and the pace of delivering them to affected areas remains sluggish. Local governments are complaining about the federal government’s failure to dispatch relief materials.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal are likely to discuss international assistance for post-flood recovery and reconstruction during bilateral meetings on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York during the third week of this month.
Meanwhile, Gagan Kumar Thapa has advised PM Dahal to prepare thoroughly before attending the UN General Assembly, and to speak based on facts and evidence. The Prime Minister is expected to raise the issue of climate justice—a recurring agenda brought up by successive prime ministers.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested high-capacity drones, LiDAR, Bailey bridges, epidemic prevention items, DNA testing kits, body bags, flood rescue trucks, a mobile air traffic control system, ground-penetrating radar, high-accuracy laser meters, broadband seismometers, high-capacity surge pumps, laboratory freezers, complete mud rescue suits, inflatable walkways, mud lances, and rescue sleds, among other items.
Continuous rain has closed multiple highways, raising fears of supply chain disruptions in Kathmandu. Authorities are working to reopen these routes. The government is also struggling to manage the cooking gas supply for Kathmandu residents as complaints about shortages increase.
Various ministries are working to amend laws to expedite the construction of temporary shelters, the relocation of settlements to safe places, and the building of permanent housing for flood victims. Legal hurdles and red tape remain major obstacles delaying recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The government has formed a committee to identify land for rehabilitating victims and plans to relocate settlements located in high-risk zones.
With two vital border crossings—Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani—remaining closed, trade has been diverted to the Korala border point. However, this diversion is likely to trigger inflation due to increased transportation costs.
The tourism sector has been severely hit by damage to hotels and infrastructure, with over 150 hotels along river corridors swept away. Mansarovar pilgrimages through this route have been halted, significantly impacting high-end tourism. Several trekking routes remain blocked, and the likelihood of tourists visiting the region remains slim due to fears of potential secondary flooding.
Kamal Dev Bhattarai
Nepal, South Korea discuss flood rescue, reconstruction efforts
Nepal and the Republic of Korea have agreed to continue close cooperation on rescue and relief operations following the devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi River on August 26, with South Korea expressing readiness to support Nepal’s post-disaster reconstruction efforts.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singha Durbar on Sunday, where they discussed the ongoing search, rescue and relief operations, including efforts to locate South Korean nationals reported missing in the disaster.
Khanal thanked the South Korean government for deploying an interagency rapid response team and the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) to flood-affected areas of Nepal. He also expressed appreciation for humanitarian assistance and relief supplies provided by South Korea.
During the meeting, Khanal highlighted the Nepal government’s next priority of rebuilding infrastructure in a resilient, durable and improved manner following the disaster. He expressed hope that South Korea would continue supporting Nepal’s reconstruction efforts.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho said his government was willing to support Nepal in its post-disaster reconstruction.
He also said the international community has a historical responsibility to support countries such as Nepal that are suffering the consequences of climate change. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cho stressed the need for Nepal and South Korea to work together to raise international awareness about the impacts of climate change, including through global platforms such as the Conference of the Parties (COP).
Cho further said South Korea would raise its voice for Nepal to receive financial support from the international community to address climate-related losses and damages.
The two foreign ministers also reiterated their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, building on the longstanding friendship, mutual trust and cooperation between Nepal and South Korea.
Who will fund Nepal’s post-flood recovery and reconstruction?
Almost two weeks after the flash floods, the Nepali government is gradually gearing up for rehabilitation and reconstruction. According to a preliminary assessment under the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA), approximately 7,570 houses—affecting around 32,933 people—and 48 government offices were impacted. The floods swept away 55 kilometers of roads and damaged 37 motorable bridges along with 68 suspension bridges.
Additionally, around 1,806 hectares of agricultural land, 13 hydropower projects, one solar power plant, and two transmission lines suffered damage, affecting a total of 783 MW of hydropower generation capacity. Fifty-five drinking water projects, alongside numerous health and educational institutions, were also damaged. For now, the government is focusing on two main priorities:
- Temporary shelter: Preparing to unveil a plan to build temporary shelters for displaced individuals currently staying in holding centers across flood-affected districts.
- Infrastructure repair: Opening temporary road tracks and installing Bailey bridges to restore public movement and transport networks.
While the government can initially draw from the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, domestic resources will be insufficient for long-term recovery due to the country's struggling economy.
Funding the recovery
Nepal may organize an international donors' conference, similar to the one following the 2015 earthquake. Back then, Nepal secured $4.1 billion in pledges, with major contributions coming from India, China, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
While these same nations are expected to support post-flood recovery efforts, the process this time is far more complex:
- Land loss & relocation: Following the 2015 earthquake, the government adopted an owner-led approach, providing seed money of NPR 300,000 for permanent house reconstruction and NPR 25,000 for temporary shelters. However, flood victims have lost the land itself.
- Resettlement challenges: Ministers suggest that families living along riverbanks should be relocated to safer grounds to avoid future flood risks. However, residents who own land near riverbanks may be reluctant to leave.
- Livelihood priorities: Once road tracks reopen, many victims are likely to return to run their local shops, hotels, and businesses. As seen after the 2015 earthquake, survivors often prioritize rebuilding their livelihoods over basic shelter, which previously left several government-built integrated settlements empty.
Securing foreign aid may also prove challenging, as major donor nations are currently prioritizing defense budgets and global conflicts. However, Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s upcoming visit to New York for the UN General Assembly offers a timely opportunity to engage world leaders and highlight Nepal’s urgent recovery needs.
Nepal Flood Newsletter—September 5
By 7 PM, the death toll reached 1,341, with around 5,000 people still missing. Security forces have continued search and rescue operations.
Amid the devastating loss of human life and physical infrastructure, some good news is emerging. Two additional people were rescued alive from Ruwakot and Rasuwa districts, rekindling hope that many trapped in the floodwaters may still be alive. Yesterday, two people were rescued from a hydropower tunnel on the 10th day following the flash flood.
The news of the joint rescue team of the Armed Police Force, Nepal, and Nepal Police rescuing 64-year-old Chandrika Shrestha today from flood-affected Betrawati in Bidur-10, Nuwakot, has brought hope to the entire nation. This news is also a message that we are still relentlessly engaged in search and rescue efforts," said PM Balendra Shah.
Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Chairman of the Nepali Communist Party, stated that more lives could have been saved if rescue efforts had been expedited in the initial days of the flooding. Earlier, on September 4, two people were rescued from another hydropower project.
Initially, the government decided not to bring in foreign rescuers, stating that the Nepali Army was capable of handling the operations. Three days following the flood disaster, the Nepalese government decided to request assistance from foreign search and rescue teams.
Authorities are preparing for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s visit to the United Nations General Assembly. Before the flood, Shah had nominated Shishir Khanal to lead the Nepali delegation.
However, following the Bhote Koshi flood, Shah decided to attend the assembly himself to inform the international community about the adverse impacts of climate change that Nepal is facing. Nepal is seeking reparations for climate-related disasters.
Nevertheless, observers note that it may be too early to raise the issue of climate justice while the country is still grappling with active search and rescue operations. This will mark Shah’s first trip abroad since becoming prime minister in April.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has arrived in Nepal for a three-day official visit. The purpose of his visit is to assess the ongoing efforts to locate missing South Korean nationals and to consult with Nepalese government officials. South Korea has dispatched a team of experts to assist in rescuing individuals trapped in hydropower project tunnels. He is the most senior foreign official to visit Nepal since the devastating August 26 flood. Nine South Koreans working on a hydropower project remain missing.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava stated that efforts are underway to rescue people trapped inside the Chilime tunnel. He noted that rescue teams continue to clear heavy debris, water, and mud, which inside the tunnel has accumulated nearly to the roof.
The Nepalese government is preparing to enact a new law to relocate settlements from high-risk zones in response to the Bhote Koshi flood. Provisions regarding the relocation of communities in vulnerable locations have been incorporated into a draft bill. However, experiences following the 2015 earthquake demonstrate that this is a challenging undertaking, as residents are often reluctant to leave their homelands due to emotional attachment. Consequently, many houses built for earthquake victims went unused as residents returned to their original lands.
The government stated that it is working to restore the normal distribution of cooking gas. Kathmandu is currently facing a shortage of LPG due to the blockade of the Prithvi Highway. With the festival season approaching, the government is under pressure to stabilize the supply chain. Concerns have been raised that a failure to ensure cooking gas supplies could force hotels and restaurants to shut down, further impacting the already fragile tourism industry. Additionally, the government faces criticism for recent price increases on cooking gas.
Efforts to install bailey bridges in flood-affected regions have been expedited. The Xizang Autonomous Region has already handed over bailey bridges to Nepal, and India is also dispatching bridge units. Nepal’s two neighbors, India and China, are providing extensive support.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s national flag has been re-hoisted at the Rasuwagadhi Nepal–China international border crossing. Following the flood, a joint team from the Armed Police Force, Nepal, and the Nepali Army navigated a hazardous route to raise the flag at the border.
Eleven days after the disaster, the Nepalese government has yet to produce a comprehensive damage assessment. Displaced residents staying in holding centers await official decisions regarding their long-term housing. In the evening, Prime Minister Balendra Shah said: “We will make your temporary stay as soon as possible and arrange safe housing for you as quickly as we can.”
He said government is standing with the flood victims. While school children remain uncertain about when their classes will resume.It remains unclear how the government will fund rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts given the current economic downturn.Despite national and international support, funding remains inadequate. The government is relying heavily on neighboring India and China for rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance, mirroring their support after the 2015 earthquake.
Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor
Nepal Flood Newsletter — September 4
Ten days after the flash flood, the death toll has reached 1,325, though only 96 bodies have been identified. A total of 13,093 people have been rescued, including over 300 foreign nationals. Two workers were rescued alive from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project this morning. More than 5,000 people remain missing, including approximately 600 foreign nationals from 35 countries.
A total of 4,627 people are currently staying in holding centers across the Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. According to the Nepal government, 7,570 private houses, 48 government offices, 18 schools, 7 health institutions, 55 km of roads, and 37 motorable bridges have been completely or partially damaged. Around 32,963 people have been directly affected by the flooding.
The rescue of two hydropower workers trapped inside the tunnel for nine days after the flood has revived hopes of finding more survivors. A joint team comprising the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force rescued Sanjaya Sah and Kabir Maharjan from the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project.
Search and rescue operations for those trapped inside tunnels across Langtang, Chilime, Upper Trishuli 1, Upper Trishuli 3A, Upper Trishuli 3B, and other projects continue effectively. Tunnel rescue teams from India, China, and the Republic of Korea continue to work in close coordination with the Nepali Army. Poor road conditions and adverse weather remain major challenges in transporting critical equipment to rescue sites.
International assistance continues to pour into Nepal. Countries providing aid include India, China, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, Qatar, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Germany, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Norway, Israel, Canada, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand, Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, and the Czech Republic, as well as the European Union, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the United Nations, and other organizations.
Government authorities report that they are continuing the burial of recovered bodies following necessary forensic procedures to facilitate subsequent identification and ensure mortal remains are returned to families for final rites. Forensic teams from India, China, Singapore, and South Korea have joined the Nepal Police and local authorities to accelerate DNA collection, analysis, and identification. Nepal's other urgent needs include high-capacity drones, LiDAR, Bailey bridges, epidemic prevention items, DNA testing kits, body bags, flood rescue trucks, mobile air traffic control systems, ground-penetrating radar, high-accuracy laser meters, broadband seismometers, high-capacity surge pumps, and laboratory freezers.
China stated that its meteorological authorities have been providing Nepal with weather monitoring, forecasting, early warning, and impact services since a severe mudslide struck the Gyirong–Rasuwa border crossing between China and Nepal. The administration held video weather consultations with Nepal’s meteorological department immediately following the disaster and has actively provided meteorological support for Nepal’s rescue and relief operations. Meanwhile, the Nepal government has installed a VSAT camera in Timure, Rasuwa. Residents along the river basin could not be warned in time because the hydrometric stations installed for flood forecasting were swept away.
As officials work to finalize Prime Minister Shah's agenda for the United Nations General Assembly in the third week of this month, experts suggest that the Prime Minister should raise the issue of climate justice during his UN address. However, this is not a new agenda, as Nepal has been raising this issue for a long time. Similarly, diplomatic efforts are underway to arrange a meeting with US President Donald Trump during Shah’s visit.
Following the floods, erosion by the Trishuli River caused road collapses at various points along the Prithvi Highway, a vital artery connecting Kathmandu with the western region. This is expected to impact the supply chain into Kathmandu. While alternative routes exist, navigating large trucks through these secondary highways remains difficult.
KP Sharma Oli and Gagan Kumar Thapa visited the flood-affected districts of Nuwakot and Rasuwa. Oli stated that there is a lack of government presence at the local level and accused ministers of being occupied with publicity stunts. Oli further emphasized that the Nepali Army should remain above politics and controversy.
The government announced it has initiated the process of constructing temporary housing for displaced individuals in Nuwakot and Rasuwa. Authorities plan to complete these structures before Dashain and are currently searching for suitable land for the temporary shelters.
Officials have also begun preparations to mitigate the impact of the flash flood on Nepal’s tourism industry. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Friday that the country remains open to international travelers and tourists, as only specific regions have been affected. However, as Nepal prepares to convey this message, 21 of its diplomatic missions abroad remain without heads, as ambassadorial appointments have been further delayed.
— Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor
Nepal’s battle for climate justice
After catastrophic Bhotekoshi floods caused immense loss of life and property, Nepal is pushing for access to the international Loss and Damage Fund to recover from one of its worst-ever climate crises. Prime Minister Balendra Shah and civil society leaders are strongly advocating for urgent climate justice.
Following the destruction of several human settlements, the Nepal government formally dispatched a request letter to the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. The board has initiated informal discussions on how to respond to Nepal’s appeal.
Spokesperson at Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Nepal contributes a negligible share of global emissions, yet our people bear a disproportionate burden of the impacts of a warming Himalayas. Nepal has consistently drawn international attention to this reality, including through the first edition of the Sagarmatha Sambaad and through various international forums, said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson further said: “The lesson is clear: climate justice, effective early-warning systems, disaster preparedness and resilient reconstruction must move from commitments on paper to concrete action on the ground. We have already written a letter to the Co-Chairs of the Board of Loss and Damage Fund for immediate support. The Fund was established at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt in 2022, with early pledges from countries like the UAE, Germany, the USA, and Japan totaling $700m. It was formally adopted at COP28 in Dubai in 2023. While the Fund has now received $820m in total global pledges, only half of that amount has actually materialized.
Experts estimate that Nepal may receive around $20m in the coming months. However, experts stress that at least $100bn must be allocated annually by 2030 to meaningfully address global natural disaster losses.
A recent report by Oxfam and the CARE Climate Justice Center highlights a troubling trend: developing countries are now paying more back to wealthy nations in climate finance loan repayments than they receive in actual aid, as 65 percent of climate funding is delivered in the form of loans rather than grants.
Support for vulnerable nations remains uncertain as global priorities shift toward conflict and rearmament. The United States has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement and scaled back climate funding, while European nations are redirecting financial resources into defense and security arrangements. Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether emerging economies like China and India will contribute to the Loss and Damage Fund.
In the COP1, Nepal and other least developed countries are likely to strongly raise the issue of climate justice. Nepal faces injustice because its contribution to the global greenhouse is negligible fraction. Over the past few decades, Nepal has been raising this issue for a long time.
Developed nations largely built their wealth on a post-industrial coal boom that released massive greenhouse gas emissions. Major developed economies—including the G7 nations, Australia, and European Union member states—built their wealth on carbon-intensive, post-industrial growth fueled primarily by coal. Because this historical reliance on fossil fuels generated a massive share of global greenhouse gas emissions, these nations bear the central financial responsibility for driving and funding the current global climate transition.
Nepal Flood Newsletter (September 3)
The death toll from the August 26 flash flood has reached 1,290, with more than 5,000 people missing. So far, only 95 bodies have been identified and handed over to their families. The number of injured has reached 5,384. Over 21,000 security personnel have been mobilized for search and rescue operations, successfully rescuing more than 12,000 people from the flood-affected areas.
The Nepal government has decided to observe a day of national mourning on September 7 to honor those killed in the disaster. Meanwhile, 217 students and 15 teachers belonging to educational institutions in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts remain unaccounted for.
Prime Minister Shah stated that search and rescue efforts are ongoing at affected hydropower projects where workers might be trapped. Under the leadership of the Nepali Army, experts from India, China, and Korea are currently assisting on-site.
The Nepal government has released a preliminary business recovery package for entrepreneurs impacted by the flood. Authorities decided to cancel the registration of commercial and cargo vehicles that were damaged beyond repair or swept away. Furthermore, if business owners wish to import replacement vehicles, a full customs duty exemption will be provided. However, imports are unlikely in the near future due to extensive road damage and fears of recurring floods.
At the border, 114 Nepalis trapped on the Chinese side arrived back in Nepal via the Tatopani crossing.
The Prithvi Highway remains closed due to a massive landslide at Krishnabhir in Dhading. Authorities are working to open alternative routes to secure supply lines. Kathmandu is already facing a severe cooking gas shortage; the government announced it will prioritize individual households over hotels and restaurants. Despite the crisis, prices for cooking gas have risen.
Concurrently, the Bagmati Provincial Government has begun repairs on the Bhimphedi–Kogate–Sisneri road to ease transport delays. The provincial government also decided to provide free education through Grade 12, along with accommodation, to children who lost their parents in the flood.
To support the impacted travel sector, the Nepal Tourism Board launched the "Nepal Calling" campaign. The campaign emphasizes that while specific areas were affected, most of Nepal continues to live, work, travel, and welcome visitors. "Nepal is not closed," the Board stated. "This is a time to stand with Nepal, this is a time to visit Nepal, and Nepal is calling."
The government has also decided to provide advance payments to affected insurance policyholders through the Rasuwa Flood Recovery Package.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal conducted a diplomatic briefing for the Kathmandu-based diplomatic corps regarding the disaster. He noted that the resources required for rebuilding will be substantial. "
As these requirements become clearer, the Nepal government will communicate them through established official channels, and we will look to our international partners for support in rehabilitation and reconstruction," he said. He added, "Nepal contributes a negligible share of global emissions, yet our people bear a disproportionate burden from the impacts of a warming Himalaya."
International assistance continues to arrive, with India and China sending emergency relief materials across multiple consignments. Meanwhile, the Nepali Army appealed to the public to respect the privacy, dignity, and mental well-being of affected children when sharing photos and videos on social media.
One week after the disaster, Nepal is pushing the agenda of climate justice on the global stage. In a Facebook post, PM Shah stated that Nepal is suffering heavy punishment for mistakes it barely contributed to, adding that the flood is a direct consequence of global warming.
"We have been telling the world for a long time that climate change is having a massive impact on the Himalayan region, and the glaciers are melting," Shah wrote. "The consequences extend far beyond the Himalayas, reaching all the way to the ocean coasts. The very fear we held for so long has now turned into reality as a devastating flood in."
Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor
Nepal Flood Newsletter(September- 2)
The death toll from the Bhotekoshi flood has reached 1,222, with 4,875 people still missing, according to Nepal Police. Among the casualties, 600 are foreign nationals, and 77 are minors.
Security forces continue their search and rescue mission. In the worst-affected areas, the chances of finding survivors are slim; however, those who escaped the initial floodwaters and reached nearby higher ground have been safely evacuated. Rescued survivors are currently being housed in holding centers in Nuwakot district, where the supply of relief materials remains satisfactory. Meanwhile, security forces are focusing on recovering bodies in Rasuwa district.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who was initially reluctant to speak in Parliament, appeared before the House to brief lawmakers on the situation. Since the disaster struck, PM Shah has been posting evening updates on Facebook detailing relief and rescue operations. Addressing Parliament, he assured the public that all government agencies have been fully mobilized.
Opposition leaders have strongly criticized the government's response, arguing that authorities failed to act promptly—particularly regarding the timely deployment of international experts to rescue those trapped in tunnels. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Chairman of the Nepal Communist Party, stated that while official agencies were deployed, the government failed to mobilize local communities in the affected areas. He further criticized the administration for not consulting political parties during the crisis.
The United States has delivered over 40 tons of emergency relief supplies. According to the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, the shipment includes water filters, tarps, blankets, hygiene kits, and solar lights—enough to support 2,600 families—and is being distributed through local ground organizations in close coordination with the Government of Nepal. India and China are also providing humanitarian assistance.
China announced it is providing weather monitoring, forecasting, early warning, and impact services following the severe mudslide along the Nepal-China border. Wang Yawei, spokesperson for the China Meteorological Administration, stated during a press conference that the agency conducted emergency video consultations with Nepal's meteorological department and continues to provide active meteorological support for relief operations.
Eight days after the disaster, some grieving families have begun performing final rites using effigies made of Kush grass, in accordance with Hindu tradition. Facing severe logistical challenges and a lack of cold storage facilities, the government has begun mass burials, assuring families that DNA samples and other identification markers are being safely preserved.
In response, the House of Representatives passed a special resolution regarding the Rasuwa flood, urging the government to prioritize search, rescue, relief, and rehabilitation; provide free medical treatment for the injured; and ensure the scientific management of recovered bodies.
The flood has severely damaged Nepal's tourism industry. Furthermore, extensive damage to the Prithvi Highway and secondary road networks has triggered a spike in the prices of daily essentials. Kathmandu is already facing a shortage of cooking gas, which is expected to worsen as roadblocks persist.
Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor






