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
