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By 7 p.m. local time on September 1—exactly one week after a devastating flash flood struck Nepal’s northern border region—the death toll had crossed 1,000. According to the latest Police figures, 1,058 bodies have been recovered, around 4,000 people remain unaccounted for, and more than 11,800 people have been rescued. About 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries are still reported missing. As per government’s situation report, around 1.6 million have been affected by the flood.

The unprecedented disaster has caused enormous human and physical losses across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and downstream districts. Search and rescue operations have continued non-stop for a full week, with security agencies and specialist teams from Nepal, China, India, and South Korea working in some of the most severely damaged areas. The most grueling operation remains the search for hundreds of workers believed to be trapped inside flooded hydropower tunnels. As of today, the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund has collected 6.36 billion Nepalese Rupees (NPR 6,366,551,227)—a strong showing compared to contributions under previous administrations.

Day One — August 26

Around 9:30 a.m. on August 26, media outlets began reporting that a massive flood had caused extensive damage in the Timure area of Rasuwa district, near the Nepal–China border. It was the beginning of a normal workday: government and private offices were preparing to open, while students were arriving at school or still en route. In many classrooms, morning assemblies and the national anthem were about to begin. People in Rasuwa had very little time to receive an emergency alert. However, police managed to issue warnings to downstream districts, including Nuwakot and Dhading, as the surge moved south.

In the initial hours, there was significant confusion regarding the flood’s origin. Early reports suggested it started on the Tibetan side of the border—a claim Chinese authorities rejected. Subsequent satellite imagery and geological assessments indicated that an ice-and-rock avalanche triggered a river blockage in the high Himalayas. The resulting surge traveled rapidly through the Lhende Khola, Bhote Koshi, and Trishuli river systems. The catastrophic scale of the disaster quickly became clear: several police posts were destroyed, roads and bridges were swept away, and entire settlements were inundated.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., a Nepali Army MI-17 helicopter carrying a medical team flew toward the affected zones as reports of extensive destruction in Nuwakot and Dhading began to emerge. Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Home Minister Sudan Gurung convened emergency meetings with the Cabinet and disaster management authorities.

PM Shah addressed the public via social media, assuring victims of full government support. Simultaneously, communications with Rasuwa and Nuwakot suffered a near-total blackout as telephone, electricity, and power networks were destroyed.Political parties appealed to their cadres to join rescue efforts, while the Nepal Army immediately mobilized personnel and helicopters to Timure and surrounding areas. Photographs and videos displaying the devastation flooded mainstream and social media.

The transport sector emerged as a major area of concern. Hundreds of transport workers were in the region due to freight trade between Nepal and China. Freight drivers, public transit workers, tourists, and pilgrims were caught in the deluge, and numerous buses, trucks, and private vehicles were swept away. Relatives of missing transport workers soon began arriving at Kathmandu hospitals searching for answers.

After 1 p.m., security forces began recovering bodies from affected locations and downstream riverbanks. The Cabinet declared Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading disaster-crisis zones for three months. Parliament also convened to urge the government to accelerate rescue and relief operations, while dozens of critically injured victims were airlifted to Kathmandu.

India was among the first nations to respond. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with PM Shah to convey India's readiness to assist. That evening, an Indian Air Force aircraft delivered roughly 10 tonnes of emergency supplies to Nepal, launching an expanded relief operation that later included specialist rescue personnel. By the end of the first day, Nepal Police confirmed that 157 bodies had been recovered.

Day Two — August 27

Search and rescue operations continued throughout the second day. UN Secretary-General António Guterres confirmed that the United Nations was supporting the government-led response, with UN teams and humanitarian partners actively mobilizing aid. The United States also expressed its condolences and pledged humanitarian support. At this stage, however, the government had not formally requested specific forms of international assistance.

Meanwhile, missing-person reports multiplied rapidly as families came forward regarding relatives who had traveled to the area for work, tourism, or pilgrimage. Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane called an all-party meeting, which decided to appeal to the international community for support. Prime Minister Shah did not attend.

Nepal Army helicopters continued rescuing stranded survivors. To streamline air operations, the government ruled that all public and private helicopters must be coordinated under a single central mechanism rather than allowing private companies to operate independently. Prime Minister Shah visited flood-affected areas in Nuwakot and met with injured survivors.

Concurrently, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu rejected reports that the flood originated in China, attributing the disaster to a glacial collapse on the Nepali side. Scientific evaluations subsequently confirmed the event involved an ice-rock avalanche and river blockage in the Himalayan region, followed by a devastating downstream outburst.

The rising number of missing foreign nationals grew into a major international concern, with hundreds of tourists and pilgrims from more than 30 countries losing contact with their families. Initial figures fluctuated rapidly as authorities worked to verify individual cases.

By 3 p.m., the official death toll surpassed 300. The Nepal Transport Association reported that more than 40 passenger buses were missing. Hospitals in Kathmandu—including Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and the National Trauma Center—began receiving influxes of injured victims while anxious families gathered outside. Emergency crews also began preparations to restore electricity using alternative routes. On the same day, UK King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed their deep sorrow over the disaster. Meanwhile, reports confirmed extensive damage to local schools across the affected districts.

Day Three — August 28

The government requested universities to postpone examinations as the disaster's scale continued to expand. Nepal's primary road link to its northern and central regions remained severed for a third consecutive day. Washouts and deep mud buried crucial roads and bridges, making access to the worst-hit zones extremely difficult. By morning, 469 bodies had been recovered and around 1,500 people had been rescued. Some victims were found far downstream, having been carried into India.

Authorities warned residents along riverbanks of potential secondary water surges. A newly formed debris dam created fears of another flash flood if the blockage burst. Officials later clarified that the immediate risk stemmed from accumulated water and debris rather than a conventional glacial lake outburst.

Australia announced humanitarian aid for affected communities. China intensified its response, with President Xi Jinping convening senior officials to address the disaster along both sides of the Nepal–China border. With numerous permanent structures destroyed, Nepal requested Bailey bridges from India and China. India pledged additional humanitarian assistance as international rescue and relief efforts expanded further.

By nightfall, the death toll reached 579. Hundreds of foreign tourists and pilgrims were safely evacuated, though many others remained unaccounted for. What began as a rescue effort was rapidly morphing into a severe economic and infrastructure crisis, with massive damage reported a cross roads, bridges, power plants, transmission lines, schools, and transport facilities. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences to President Ram Chandra Poudel.

Day Four — August 29

With hundreds still missing, the government deployed additional security personnel to reinforce search and rescue operations. A section of the Prithvi Highway reopened, offering temporary relief to thousands of passengers and vehicles stranded in Kathmandu and neighboring areas. However, major stretches of the northern road network remained blocked. India informed Nepal that over 300 of its citizens were officially reported missing, while local governments compiled updated lists of unaccounted residents.

Political pressure mounted on the government to accept foreign rescue units. Opposition parties argued that Nepal's domestic resources were insufficient for a disaster of this magnitude. The government's initial hesitation to accept direct foreign rescue teams became a central political issue; the Nepal Army had advised caution regarding outside teams, maintaining that domestic capacity should be prioritized. However, as the destruction became fully clear, Nepal began coordinating directly with foreign specialists.

Technical and rescue teams from India, China, and South Korea joined operations on the ground, particularly in areas requiring heavy specialized equipment. Meanwhile, the European Union announced humanitarian aid funding for food, medical supplies, water, and sanitation.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal clarified that Nepal had never rejected international assistance, emphasizing that personnel and equipment from India and China were already operating in the field. The humanitarian situation was further complicated by the sheer volume of bodies recovered far downstream. Many were heavily damaged or decomposed, making visual identification nearly impossible. Hospitals and temporary morgues in Chitwan, Pokhara, and other districts reached maximum capacity.

Day Five — August 30

The United States announced additional humanitarian assistance, including emergency food aid for affected households. Two Chinese People's Liberation Army aircraft landed in Kathmandu carrying emergency supplies, while China expanded its logistical and technical support as operations grew more complex. US President Donald Trump pledges to provide support to Nepal.

Authorities faced an escalating challenge: managing hundreds of unidentified bodies recovered far downstream in Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Tanahun, Pokhara, and beyond. Many remains were severely disfigured or had been submerged for days, overwhelming mortuaries. Under the legal framework for unattended remains, authorities began burying unidentified bodies in Chitwan after collecting DNA samples, photographs, fingerprints, and other identifying data. A total of 199 unidentified bodies were buried there under these protocols.

The decision triggered sharp criticism from victims' families and opposition political parties—most notably the main opposition, Nepali Congress—who argued that families needed more time to identify loved ones. Prime Minister Shah defended the move, clarifying that the government was not abandoning future identification. Preserved DNA samples and records would allow remains to be identified, exhumed, and handed over to families later. Concurrently, China announced additional cash grants and logistical support for flood victims.

Day Six — August 31

Search, rescue, and body-management operations continued to expand. Prime Minister Shah met with security agency chiefs to review ongoing response efforts. RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane also reviewed the situation and briefed President Ram Chandra Paudel on the latest developments.

Rescuing workers trapped inside hydropower projects became the top priority. Updated assessments indicated that approximately 900 hydropower workers were missing across 12 affected projects, with around 800 believed to be trapped inside flooded tunnels. Search teams faced monumental hurdles: access roads and bridges were destroyed, and tunnels were choked with mud, rocks, and debris.

Specialists from Nepal, India, and China intensified efforts at hydropower sites using excavators, drones, advanced search equipment, and controlled blasting by the Nepal Army to clear access points. The discovery of 25 bodies inside a local mart in Betrabesi added to the mounting death toll and the anguish of waiting families.

Meanwhile, continuous disruptions along the Prithvi Highway sparked concerns over the supply of cooking gas and essential commodities to Kathmandu. China formally notified Nepal that the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung and Tatopani border crossings would remain temporarily closed. The closures halted Nepal's overland trade with China at a time when domestic supply chains were already severely strained. First-person survivor accounts began emerging in the media, describing the terrifying speed and destruction of the floodwaters. Desperate families continued visiting hospitals and temporary morgues in hopes of finding missing relatives.

Day Seven — September 1

On the seventh day, searching for survivors remained the government's top priority, even as operations shifted increasingly toward body recovery and identification. RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane called another all-party meeting to coordinate rescue and relief measures with government agencies. Prime Minister Shah did not attend, continuing a pattern of limited engagement with parties outside his cabinet.

Trapped hydropower workers remained the most critical rescue challenge. The Independent Power Producers' Association of Nepal confirmed that hundreds of staff remained unaccounted for. In response, authorities authorized charter helicopter flights to support rescue operations at project sites.

By September 1, joint specialist teams from Nepal, China, and India were utilizing helicopters, heavy excavators, drones, and temporary bridges to access isolated communities. Over 11,800 people have been rescued, while approximately 4,000 remain unaccounted for. The government confirmed that more than 21,000 personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force are deployed on the ground.

Electricity and communications are slowly being restored to parts of the disaster zone. Work continues on temporary routes and bridges to reconnect isolated communities, though access to Rasuwa remains severely limited.

The disaster has also intensified the debate surrounding climate justice. Concerns are growing that developing nations like Nepal—which contribute minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions—bear a disproportionate burden of climate-related catastrophes. The crisis has renewed calls for wealthy nations to provide climate finance, technology transfers, and resilience funding.

While scientists caution against attributing this specific glacial collapse entirely to climate change without further research, rapid atmospheric warming is demonstrably destabilizing Himalayan glaciers and increasing hazards for downstream communities. PM Balendra Shah has said that this serves as a serious warning that the risks we face in the Himalayan region are growing due to climate change. PM said: “Climate change is a global contribution, and disaster response remains a global responsibility.” Takaichi Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan held a telephone conversation with PM Balendra Shah and requested Nepal’s fullest cooperation for the swiftest possible search and rescue for the five Japanese nationals who are unaccounted for.

Key areas affected by the flood

Physical Infrastructure

The destruction of roads and bridges is one of the disaster's most severe long-term consequences. The Department of Roads estimates initial road infrastructure damage at roughly NPR 30 billion, with full reconstruction costs expected to reach NPR 50 billion. Of 41 bridges assessed along the corridor, 35 were damaged—including 32 completely destroyed. Approximately 40 kilometers of road were completely washed away.This damage has severed key transit corridors connecting Kathmandu to northern districts and the Chinese border. The government is arranging to import Bailey bridges from India and China to serve as temporary crossings while permanent rebuilding takes shape.

Transportation 

The transportation sector sustained catastrophic losses. Public buses, cargo trucks, private vehicles, and tourist coaches were swept away. Transport workers make up a significant portion of the missing, as many drivers and freight handlers were stationed near the Rasuwa border when the flood hit. The disruption continues to impact the delivery of fuel, cooking gas, food, and essential goods. Combined with the temporary closure of northern border crossings with China, the destroyed road network has severely disrupted both domestic transport networks and international trade.

Hydropower sector 

The disaster delivered a severe blow to the nation's energy sector. At least 12 hydropower projects sustained heavy damage, with estimates indicating that around 670 MW of generation capacity has been knocked offline or disrupted (exact figures vary depending on whether projects under construction and transmission lines are included). Tragically, the human toll in this sector is equally severe: approximately 900 workers tied to affected facilities remain unaccounted for, with around 500 believed to be trapped inside flooded tunnels. Rescuing these workers remains one of the most critical and dangerous components of the ongoing response.

The death toll from the Rasuwa flood has reached 939 as of 6:00 PM on August 31, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. Similarly, 3,925 people remain missing. There has been some fluctuation in the number of missing people. The government has deployed 20,000 security personnel from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police. More than 11,000 people have been rescued, while 279 have been injured.

Special rescue teams from India, China, and South Korea are at the site to rescue those trapped in the tunnel. However, they have not been able to find anyone alive inside the tunnel. Some have argued that it was already too late to bring in the rescuers. Initially, the government decided not to allow foreign rescue teams to enter the country. However, following pressure from countries whose citizens are trapped and from the public at home, the government later allowed foreign rescue teams to enter the country and assist in the rescue efforts.

Most bridges in several areas from Rasuwa and Nuwakot to Dhading have collapsed, severely disrupting transportation and the movement of people. The government has prioritized the construction of temporary bridges in these areas. Nepal currently has six 48-meter Bailey bridges and one 70-meter Bailey bridge available. Feasibility studies have already been completed for installing Bailey bridges at three locations: the Tadi River in Devighat, Trishuli Bazaar, and Betrawati Bazaar. Additionally, a 230-foot single-lane modular steel bridge has been received from India, which has also promised to send seven more Bailey bridges. Similarly, China is providing 30 Bailey bridges, which are expected to arrive soon.

The Prithvi Highway is completely blocked following a landslide at Krishnabhir. With the road obstructed, passengers traveling between Pokhara and Kathmandu are searching for alternative routes. The highway had previously been blocked by a Bhotekoshi flash flood on August 26. According to the Bagmati Province Traffic Police Office, just 24 hours after the highway reopened, it was blocked again on Sunday due to the landslide at Krishnabhir. The latest blockage is likely to further disrupt the transportation system.

The government is preparing to conduct a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) in two phases. The first phase will quantify the loss and damage while also establishing a future development model for the flood-affected regions and Nepal as a whole. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has already completed an urgent assessment.

There are reports of a lack of coordination among the security agencies. Similarly, chiefs of local governments have complained that the federal government is not coordinating with them, which could affect relief distribution and reconstruction efforts. The Prime Minister, however, has said that the roles played by local and provincial governments have been commendable.

Due to floodwaters and sewage contaminating water sources and the environment, the risk of epidemic diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and dengue has increased in affected areas, including Rasuwa and Nuwakot. To prevent a potential health crisis in this critical situation, the Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene has urged people to remain highly alert and issued a special appeal to drink purified water, maintain proper sanitation, and wash their hands with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet.

The floods are likely to affect Nepal’s tourism industry, as hotel owners say that many tourists are cancelling their bookings. September is regarded as a peak season for tourism. This is the second blow to the tourism industry in a year, as last year’s Gen Z movement also affected the sector.

Following the Rasuwa flood, more than NPR 6.36 billion has been deposited into the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief and Rescue Fund. According to information shared by Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Facebook on Monday evening, the amount was collected in the Government of Nepal's Prime Minister's Disaster Fund and Prime Minister's Fund.

Following the destruction of the Rasuwa Gadi border checkpoint—a major trade route between Nepal and China—by the floods, China has also temporarily closed the Tatopani customs border in Sindhupalchok. Dipendra Prakash Giri, chief of the Tatopani Customs Office, said that China temporarily shut down the checkpoint starting August 30. This is likely to increase the prices of goods imported from China.

Kamal Dev Bhattarai
Editor

Kathmandu-- Three days after the devastating flash flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, security forces are still scrambling to rescue those trapped in various locations, distribute relief, and retrieve the bodies that have surfaced after the water levels receded. Hundreds of people are still waiting for rescue, and local governments are asking the federal government to expedite the process of retrieving bodies, as well as providing food and shelter to the victims.

469 bodies have already been retrieved as of 7 am local time Friday from the flood-ravaged areas, and health officials are facing difficulties keeping the bodies until they can be identified and handed over to their families. Similarly, 3253 people have been rescued. Around ten thousand security forces have been deployed.

Although security forces are working round the clock on rescue and relief operations, their efforts are insufficient given the magnitude of the disaster. The international community, including major countries such as India, China, and the USA, has shown willingness to help with rescue efforts, but the government has decided not to accept direct external support for rescue operations.

Damaged roads and a lack of electricity and telephone services have made the situation worse. The condition in Rasuwa is particularly alarming, with local representatives stating that they are facing severe shortages of food and temporary shelter.

Madhav Aryal, Chairperson of Uttargaya Rural Municipality in Rasuwa, stated that they are experiencing the agonizing reality of waiting for aerial rescue operations after coordinating with every relevant authority, but there has been no response. According to him, many injured people are still waiting to be rescued and treated.

He said: “Dozens of bodies line the riverbanks. Yet, when we attempt to coordinate with local police to cremate victims identified by their families, police inform us that they need permission from higher authorities.”

He added: “Our region is completely cut off from road access. Prolonged power outages have downed mobile networks, severing all communication. While severe loss of life has been reported in Timure and Syabrubesi, even more unimaginable casualties have occurred in Mailung, Salletar, Pairebesi, Kaidletar, and Betrawati. Countless families have been rendered homeless.”

Prabha Bogati, Deputy Mayor of Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot district, said the situation on the ground is devastating. School children living in temporary shelters for the past three days are becoming sick, and there is an urgent need to evacuate them to safe areas, Bogati said. She noted that there is a severe lack of coordination between the central and local governments, as well as between government and non-governmental bodies.

The international community has already announced support for the flood victims. Similarly, people from across the world are donating to the Prime Minister’s relief fund, but it could take several weeks for that support to reach those in need.

The death toll in Nepal’s Rasuwa flood has significantly risen. According to the latest figures, it has surpassed 360. The number of missing people still remains unclear. Authorities estimate about 1,500, but it could rise because there are reports from various districts about missing people, and transport entrepreneurs have said that dozens of buses carrying pilgrims remain missing.

As security agencies expedite search and rescue operations, there are heartbreaking photos and videos of the bodies. Security forces are retrieving dead bodies downstream of the river, which have surfaced as the water level has gone down. Local authorities have called to expedite the process of collecting bodies. Over 13,000 security force personnel have been mobilized in the flood-affected areas.

It has been revealed that local authorities sent flood warnings over loudspeakers around 8:30 am, but some people did not take the announcement seriously and took time to move to safe places.

In the flood, 668 tourists remain missing, both domestic and foreign. Among them, 327 are women. This is probably the first time in Nepal’s history that such a large number of foreign tourists have gone missing. The Nepal government has published a full list of missing tourists.

The actual cause of the flood still remains guesswork for climate experts. China has rejected complaints from the Nepali side that the Chinese side did not alert them about it. The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu said: "An earthquake or earthquake-like glacier collapse occurred on the Nepali side, triggering huge mudslides which caused significant casualties."

The panic continues. China's Ministry of Water Resources said that a significant barrier lake has formed near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers in Nepal, with its water volume estimated at 2 million cubic meters as of Thursday morning, and the lake is already overflowing. Another 3 million cubic meters of water is expected to flow into the lake over the next three days, posing a high risk of a breach, China Central Television reported Thursday. On the basis of this, Nepali authorities have alerted people living on the river banks.

The economic cost of the flood is high. The devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River that swept through Rasuwa and downstream areas have left a trail of destruction across Nepal’s vital trade and energy infrastructure, with preliminary government estimates putting the economic damage at more than Rs 200bn. Although the full scale of the destruction is yet to be assessed, as rescue and search operations are currently underway, initial reports indicate that private houses, roads, bridges, hydropower projects, large swathes of cultivable land, electricity infrastructure, commercial goods, and other physical assets have been swept away or severely damaged.

The flood has completely damaged 40 km of roads in Rasuwa. Additionally, a roughly 10-kilometer segment of the road from Galchi to Trishuli remains closed. According to preliminary reports, a total of 41 bridges have been completely damaged due to the flooding. A flood in Rasuwa has knocked over 431 megawatts of electricity off the grid from various projects along the Trishuli Corridor, raising the risk of power shortages in the upcoming winter.

According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the flood caused severe damage to operating projects generating 431 megawatts in the corridor. Spokesperson Rajan Dhakal stated that these projects cannot be rebuilt immediately. The NEA further noted that projects under construction with a total capacity of 470 megawatts also sustained damage. In total, the flood has impacted projects generating around 900 megawatts. It is a serious blow to Nepal’s economy because Nepal was earning money by selling electricity to India and Bangladesh.

There are risks of outbreaks of infectious diseases in the flood-ravaged areas. There is a high probability that waterborne diseases like cholera could spread. The Ministry of Health is under pressure to take preventive measures.

Securing international support for reconstruction remains the biggest challenge facing the Nepal government. It will be the biggest reconstruction task since the deadly earthquake in 2015. But Nepal is not alone; the international community has started announcing support.

The US government on Wednesday expressed its condolences over the deadly floods in Nepal and promised to provide $500,000 in emergency assistance, the State Department said.

“The United States extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the devastating flash floods in the Rasuwa district of Nepal,” the agency said, adding that Washington is deploying a disaster response advisor to the region while pledging to provide $500,000 to support rescue efforts.

The UK has offered 5 million pounds in aid and emergency responders to Nepal after flash floods killed hundreds of people and left more than a thousand missing, including around 33 British nationals. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the scenes from the country were "devastating" and urged British nationals affected by the crisis to follow the guidance of local authorities.

India is providing HADR materials, medicines, and food packets. As of August 27, a third consignment of materials has arrived in Kathmandu. Other countries are likely to announce financial support for Nepal. The Nepal government, however, has said that it will not be taking direct foreign assistance for search and rescue. The decision comes amid proposals from many countries to send trained rescuers along with helicopters for rescue operations. The Nepal government is mobilizing government and private helicopters for the rescue.

Today is a tragic day for Nepal. A devastating flash flood has swept through several human settlements from Rasuwa to Dhading, causing widespread destruction and leaving scores of people missing. It is being described as one of the most severe floods in Nepal’s recent history.

According to ICIMOD, water levels in the Bhote Koshi basin began rising rapidly around 9:00 AM local time on August 26. The flood breached riverbanks and traveled downstream through the Bhote Koshi River into the Trishuli River, with potential impacts extending into Nuwakot and Dhading districts. Scientists from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and partner institutions in Nepal and China are investigating whether the flood may have been triggered by an ice-rock avalanche originating from a high-altitude area.

ICIMOD said: “Preliminary assessments based on video footage and information from affected areas suggest that a large volume of ice and rock debris may have entered the Lende Khola, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi River. Researchers say the event could have generated a sudden surge that carried water, sediment, and large boulders downstream.” Hydrological observations indicate the exceptional speed and magnitude of the flood wave. Water levels on the Trishuli River at Galchchi reportedly rose by as much as nine meters within 30 minutes, while levels at Malekhu increased by seven meters over a similar period, ICIMOD said.

Several water monitoring stations along the Trishuli River were reportedly damaged or washed away during the event, although the Galchchi monitoring station remains operational. “The same site devastated by last year’s Rasuwa flood is once again under threat,” said Qianggong Zhang, Head of Climate and Environmental Risks at ICIMOD. “An ice avalanche in the Lende Khola is the suspected trigger, but the cause remains unconfirmed. With a blockage still lodged upstream on the Nepal-China border, authorities warn a second flood is imminent, and evacuation orders are now in place for Jilong port.”

The flood has reportedly caused significant damage to infrastructure in the affected areas, including hydrological monitoring stations. Several hydropower facilities are located along the Bhote Koshi River and connected river systems.

“The increasing frequency of cryosphere hazards is becoming more visible than ever before. The pace of change is so rapid that current efforts are struggling to keep up,” said Mohd. Farooq Azam, Senior Cryosphere Specialist at ICIMOD. “Today’s disaster in the Lende Khola underscores the need for stronger regional collaboration, with governments taking coordinated action to respond to cross-border hazards.”

Experts at ICIMOD are continuing to analyze hydrological, seismic, remote-sensing, and field data to better understand what triggered the event and to assess ongoing risks to downstream communities.

According to the Armed Police Force (APF), the death toll has exceeded 100, while dozens of people have been rescued. Hundreds are missing. Hundreds of others have been displaced and are stranded in difficult terrain without adequate food or shelter. The full scale of the disaster remains unclear, and rescue teams continue to search for those who are missing.

The disaster has brought back painful memories of previous tragedies. In 2021, a powerful flood swept through several villages in Melamchi, Sindhupalchowk, a district bordering China. In 2024, floods and landslides also caused extensive damage in central Nepal. But the scale and suddenness of the current disaster have created an unprecedented challenge for authorities.

Throughout the day, government and private helicopters have been mobilized for rescue operations. Dozens of people have been airlifted to hospitals in nearby districts and to Kathmandu. Despite these efforts, many people remain stranded and are desperately waiting to be rescued.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has expressed his condolences to those who lost their lives in the floods in Rasuwa and assured affected families that the government stands with them. In a Facebook post, Shah said he was posting with an extremely heavy heart, adding that the loss of human lives and property had left the entire country stunned.

The destruction has extended far beyond residential areas. Dozens of trucks were swept away from the Rasuwagadhi border point, while customs offices were severely damaged. Scores of Nepali traders remain missing. Local branches of several banks have also been completely swept away, with some employees still unaccounted for.

Forty-four members of the Nepal Army are also reportedly out of contact in the flood-affected areas of Rasuwa. Several bridges have been damaged or destroyed, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.

It remains unclear how many people are still missing. Eyewitnesses continue to report that family members, friends, and colleagues have disappeared in the floods. More than a dozen hydropower projects operating along the riverbanks have reportedly been swept away, with scores of workers still missing. There are also reports that security personnel deployed to protect several hydropower projects are unaccounted for.

The flooding has also dealt a major blow to Nepal’s electricity system. Severe damage to hydropower projects and transmission lines in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and other districts has taken a total of 431.1 megawatts of electricity capacity out of the national grid.

The disaster has also affected tourists. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, over 400 tourists remain missing following the floods, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali nationals. Indian nationals account for the largest number of missing foreign tourists, with 133 reported missing. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 133 Indian, 34 Australian, 24 Canadian, 33 British, and 47 American tourists are reported missing in the flood-ravaged areas.

The exact cause of the devastating flood remains uncertain. Dinkar Kayastha, spokesperson for the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, said the disaster may have been triggered by a glacial lake outburst, a possibility also raised by experts. However, it remains unclear whether authorities had issued any prior warning.

Speaking in Parliament, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said preliminary information suggested that an earthquake may have triggered an avalanche, which in turn caused the massive flood. He stressed, however, that the information still needs to be verified.

Chinese authorities have reportedly informed their Nepali counterparts that the disaster was not caused by heavy rainfall on the Chinese side. Experts have yet to reach a definitive conclusion about the actual cause. Nepali and Chinese authorities are in constant communication in Kathmandu to determine the reasons behind the issue and to discuss the sharing of relevant information.

Meanwhile, the international community has begun offering assistance to Nepal. India has assured Nepal of all possible humanitarian support following the devastating loss of life. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed his condolences over the deaths caused by the floods.

“Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal. The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time,” Modi said.

He added that India was ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance and that Indian teams were coordinating closely with Nepal on rescue and relief operations. As rescue efforts continue, Nepal faces an enormous humanitarian challenge. The number of casualties and missing persons could rise as authorities reach areas that remain cut off by damaged roads, destroyed bridges, and continuing disruptions. For families waiting for news of their loved ones, every passing hour is filled with uncertainty and anguish. As a first responder to crisis, India has dispatched 10 tonnes of HADR assistance and essential medicines to support Nepal’s response to the devastating floods.

New Delhi’s relationships with Kathmandu and Dhaka are pivotal for India’s national security, economic growth, regional connectivity, and stability. In 2024, a student-led uprising in Bangladesh ousted pro-Indian Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power. Since then, relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have grown strained. While observers initially expected ties to improve following the general elections, a recovery has yet to materialize. Nepal experienced a similar political shift in 2025, prompting New Delhi to rush to turn the new domestic scenario to its advantage. Foreign policy analysts are now closely watching the emerging trends across the New Delhi–Kathmandu and New Delhi–Dhaka axes.

For the past few months, speculation has grown around the much-anticipated visits of Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to New Delhi. India’s Ministry of External Affairs at South Block reiterates almost weekly that invitations have been extended to both leaders. Both Dhaka and Kathmandu have experienced more than a simple change of government—they have undergone complete regime changes. Both nations are now led by younger faces who lean more toward the West than toward India.

Prime Minister Shah has expressed unwillingness to visit India immediately, adhering to his self-imposed policy of avoiding foreign travel during his first year in office. He met with the Indian Ambassador in Kathmandu only after four months in power. Nevertheless, a recent meeting between Shah and the Indian Army Chief helped establish a connection at the top political level. After Shah declined to visit India immediately upon taking office, New Delhi extended an official invitation to the Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rahman is delaying his trip to India due to domestic political pressures and delicate issues surrounding Sheikh Hasina, who currently resides in India under political asylum. Because New Delhi views both neighboring nations as indispensable partners, Indian political leadership remains eager to engage with both prime ministers despite these lingering differences.

Compared to Dhaka, India’s relationship with Nepal remains relatively stable, even if not at its peak. Although high-level executive visits have been absent, the two countries continue to hold regular bilateral mechanism meetings. Growing Chinese influence in Kathmandu remains a primary concern for New Delhi. However, engagement between Kathmandu and Beijing has been minimal under the new administration—a positive sign for India.

Indian geopolitical analysts view the situation in Bangladesh as vastly different from that of Nepal. They point out that the new regime in Dhaka is simultaneously warming ties with both the West and China. During the Bangladeshi Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing in June, the two nations signed 13 agreements.

New Delhi remains keen on direct, high-level talks with the leaders of both Nepal and Bangladesh. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi noted that outstanding issues can only be resolved through direct dialogue, emphasizing that the Bangladeshi Prime Minister should visit India as soon as possible to build mutual trust. India has also invited Bangladesh’s Prime Minister to the upcoming BRICS summit next month, though his attendance remains uncertain. New Delhi firmly maintains that if the leaders sit down together, they can create an environment of trust necessary to address and resolve all pending bilateral matters. It remains unclear about the future trajectory of India’s relationship with two countries.

The political climate in Nepal is gradually becoming favorable to reviving the Hindu state, if not the monarchy. Now, except for a few fringe communist parties, almost no one opposes this idea. Following last year’s GenZ movement, more political parties and leaders are leaning toward the concept of a Hindu nation.

For a long time, a strong voice inside the Nepali Congress (NC) favored a Hindu state, though its leadership remained adherent to secularism. However, the political leaders who promulgated the 2015 constitution are no longer as committed to secularism as they once were.

Consider the recent statement from Sher Bahadur Deuba, in which he identified himself as a Hindu. Shortly after, his faction issued a statement declaring that they would work to establish Nepal’s identity as a Hindu nation. Except for Pushpa Kamal Dahal, no key leaders objected to his statement—not even NC President Gagan Kumar Thapa or CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli. These key developments clearly illustrate the gaining ground for a Hindu state.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah cannot go against the constitution, but he is in favor of a Hindu nation. Additionally, Shah prefers to move toward a directly elected prime minister through a constitutional amendment, and his entire team favors a Hindu Republic. Similarly, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) does not oppose the idea of a Hindu state. Because RSP lacks a rigid stance on the basic fundamentals of the constitution, the party could easily support the move. However, Rabi Lamichhane’s exact position on this issue remains unknown.

Since last year’s GenZ movement, the Nepali Army (NA) has emerged as a major political stakeholder. Inherently, the NA remains a traditional Hindu institution that has never fully embraced secularism in practice; thus, it is likely to support any broad Hindu movement.

Meanwhile, CPN-UML Chairman Oli has gradually inclined toward a Hindu nation—especially after last year’s GenZ protests—believing that the primary external backers of secular forces have lost their influence in power. Pushpa Kamal Dahal may personally oppose a Hindu state, but he is unlikely to resist if other major political parties reach a consensus.

At the societal level, numerous local organizations have been laying the groundwork for a Hindu state over the past few years. Various Hindu groups are attempting to launch a broader movement starting from the Tarai-Madhes region, and parties that lost the March 5 elections are likely to fuel such initiatives. The political parties that originally promulgated the 2015 constitution with a secular identity are currently out of power.

However, any attempt to drop federalism alongside secularism could face stiff opposition from Madhes-based political parties, groups from the eastern hills, and minority religious organizations.

Amending the constitution to establish a Hindu state requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament, which is achievable if RSP agrees. Nevertheless, such a shift could unleash a new round of domestic conflict, and Nepal’s international development partners—many of whom back secularism—might strongly oppose it. Consequently, attempting to turn Nepal into a Hindu Republic remains a risky move that could trigger fresh political instability. 

Over the past few years, India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have actively encouraged Nepal’s political leaders to revive the Hindu state. During the constitutional drafting process in 2015, Nepal’s top political leaders had reportedly assured the Indian leadership that they would safeguard the country’s Hindu identity.

Jerusalem:  Israel has called for high-level visits from Nepal to Israel to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in employment, health, education, trade, investment, tourism among others.

Michal Weiler-Tai, director of the South-East Asia Department at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said political stability following the formation of a new government in Nepal creates an opportunity for increased engagement between the two countries.

“There is a new government in Nepal and there is political stability, so we expect high-level visits from Nepal to Israel,” Weiler-Tai said during an interaction with a Nepali media delegation.

She said high-level political visits could help advance bilateral ties and open new areas of cooperation. Israel is also awaiting the appointment of Nepal’s new ambassador to Israel. Nepal is yet to appoint ambassadors to Israel and several other countries, a situation officials say could constrain diplomatic engagement and potential cooperation.

Nepal and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1960, with Nepal becoming the first South Asian country to establish formal diplomatic ties with Israel. The two countries have since maintained diplomatic relations marked by cooperation in agriculture, employment, development, security and other sectors.

Weiler-Tai also emphasized the importance of parliamentary exchanges in strengthening bilateral relations. She said interactions between lawmakers could contribute to closer ties by allowing parliamentarians to examine and monitor the work of their respective governments.

A visit by Nepali parliamentarians to Israel, however, is expected only after Israel’s October elections, according to officials.

High-level exchanges between Nepal and Israel date back to the early years of their diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala visited Israel, while King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah paid a state visit to Israel in 1963.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala visited Israel in 1993, during which the two countries signed a protocol of cooperation between the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce. However, high-level exchanges have declined in recent years, with no ministerial-level visits reported since 2017.

Officials have identified 2000 and 2020 as important years in the expansion of Nepal-Israel cooperation. Nepal began sending caregiver workers to Israel in 2000. In 2020, Nepal and Israel signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at establishing Agricultural Centers of Excellence in Nepal and facilitating the employment of Nepali caregivers in Israel.

The agreement was signed by Nepal’s ambassador to Israel, Dr. Anjan Shakya, and then-Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi. Under the agricultural cooperation, Centers of Excellence are planned in all seven provinces of Nepal, while the agreement also opened opportunities for Nepali workers in Israel’s care sector.

Nepali caregivers can work in areas including hospitals, nursing homes, elderly care facilities and daycare centers, while employment opportunities have also been discussed in hospitality-related sectors.

Nepal’s Embassy in Tel Aviv said recruitment under the agreement would begin after the signing of implementation protocols for individual sectors. The protocols were to be signed by the Israeli ambassador to Nepal and relevant Nepali government officials.

The two countries are also working to expand cooperation in the health sector and are discussing a possible agreement in the field. Officials see further scope for cooperation in education and tourism as well.

Tourism has emerged as another potential area of bilateral cooperation. Around 12,000 Israeli tourists visited Nepal in 2025, according to officials. Israel has also provided development assistance to Nepal in several areas, including support for the establishment of the National Construction Company of Nepal and training for Nepalese Army personnel in parachuting.