Casualties & Rescue Efforts
The total death toll from the August 26 floods has risen to 1,395, with 5,130 people still unaccounted for. The Nepal Army confirmed that search and rescue operations remain underway.
Infrastructure & Road Network Restoration
Government authorities stated they are working to operationalize flood-damaged road networks by mid-October. The initial phase focuses on developing alternative routes, cable crossings, and suspension bridges in the most affected areas.
Following these temporary measures, officials plan to immediately begin constructing permanent roads and bridges. The government is likely to seek support from China to rebuild the Syabrubesi–Rasuwagadhi road section, which had been undergoing expansion over the past five years with Chinese assistance. China is also expected to prioritize road construction along the Nepal–China border.
Government Coordination
Prime Minister Balendra Shah and key cabinet ministers held discussions with representatives from flood-affected local governments. During the meeting, the leadership requested that local bodies submit detailed reports on damaged infrastructure, formulate clear recovery plans, coordinate reconstruction work, and actively monitor progress.
Essential Services & Relief Funding
Efforts are also underway to restore drinking water systems and rebuild critical health and educational infrastructure in affected zones. Financial resources remain ample as contributions continue to pour in from both home and abroad into the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the fund’s balance currently stands at Rs 13.68 billion.
Settlement Relocation & Health Concerns
The government plans to enact legislation allowing the relocation of settlements situated along vulnerable riverbanks. This law will also cover squatters previously removed from informal settlements in Kathmandu. A dedicated government team is currently searching for suitable land to house displaced families. Meanwhile, health concerns are growing in temporary holding centers, where occupants—particularly women and children—are increasingly falling ill.
NGO Regulation
As non-governmental organizations arrive in flood-hit areas, the central government is maintaining close oversight. Local authorities have been instructed to regulate NGO operations strictly and ensure all relief activities are carried out in coordination with government agencies.
Energy Sector & Power Supply
Although the August 26 floods damaged 13 hydropower projects—raising fears of a return to load-shedding—India’s Ministry of Power has cleared the export of up to 654 MW of electricity to Nepal for 18 hours daily. Thanks to this cross-border power supply, the risk of power cuts during the upcoming winter season remains slim.
Kamal Dev Bhattarai
