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
