KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Nepal observes national mourning for Bhotekoshi flood victims
Nepal is observing a day of national mourning today in memory of those who lost their lives in the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa on August 26, 2026. The Cabinet meeting held on September 3 at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar decided to observe national mourning in honor of the flood victims. Accordingly, the national flag is being flown at half-mast at government offices across the country as well as at Nepali embassies and diplomatic missions abroad. The Bhotekoshi flood struck Rasuwa on August 26, causing widespread loss of life and extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure.
President Paudel inspects flood-affected areas of Nuwakot
President Ram Chandra Paudel has taken stock of the situation in areas of Nuwakot affected by the Bhotekoshi floods. During his visit, President Paudel received a briefing from the District Disaster Management Committee on ongoing search and rescue operations, relief distribution, the management of holding centers and rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas. Chief District Officer Shambhu Prasad Regmi and other committee members briefed the President on the loss of lives and property caused by the floods in the district. Regmi also informed him about the measures being taken for search and rescue, relief distribution, rehabilitation of affected communities and immediate reconstruction.
President Paudel urges global action on climate change risks after Bhotekoshi flood
After inspecting areas affected by the devastating Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa, President Ram Chandra Paudel has called for high-priority efforts to rescue victims and provide relief and support for reconstruction. Addressing the nation, President Paudel drew the international community’s serious attention to the risks arising from climate change and urged concrete action to ensure climate justice for countries like Nepal that are disproportionately affected by its impacts. Expressing deep appreciation for the courage and dedication of personnel from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, as well as health workers, local representatives, government employees and volunteers who have been working around the clock despite significant risks, Paudel urged authorities to continue search operations despite the difficult terrain and hazardous conditions.
Rescue hopes remain at Chilime hydropower project as blasting begins to clear tunnel
Rescue prospects remain for people trapped inside the Chilime Hydropower Project in Rasuwa, which was severely damaged by the flood on Bhadra 10, with blasting now underway to clear a passage into the tunnel. Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker and engineer Sagar Dhakal provided the update on Monday. Dhakal and Shriram Neupane, head of the party’s Mines and Energy Department, had reached the tunnel area of the 22.1 MW Chilime Hydropower Project two days earlier. The tunnel at the Chilime Hydropower Project has been blocked by debris following the massive flood in the Bhotekoshi River. At least six employees trapped inside the tunnel have yet to be rescued.
Rasuwa flood death toll reaches 1,355
The death toll from the Rasuwa floods has reached 1,355, according to authorities, with nearly 5,000 people still reported missing or unaccounted for amid ongoing rescue and relief efforts. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the recovered remains also include various human body parts. So far, 98 bodies have been identified and handed over to their respective families. NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat said 169 bodies were recovered in Rasuwa, 197 in Nuwakot, 70 in Dhading, 75 in Gorkha, 38 in Tanahun, 363 in Chitwan, 222 in Nawalparasi East and 221 in Nawalparasi West.
Rabi Lamichhane, US Secretary of State Rubio hold phone talks
President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rabi Lamichhane, held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday. According to the RSP, Rubio expressed condolences to those who lost their lives in the Bhotekoshi flood and conveyed solidarity with the Nepali people and Government of Nepal during the difficult period. During the conversation, Lamichhane said his party was making every possible effort to support the government’s ongoing search, rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected areas. He also assured Rubio that Nepal remains committed to ensuring the safety and protection of foreign nationals affected by the recent floods.
Families of flood victims urge home minister to stop stunts and focus on rescue
Families of people missing at the Trishuli-3B Hydropower Project site have staged a protest in Kathmandu, demanding that rescue operations at the project be expedited and made more effective. Relatives of the missing gathered at Maitighar in Kathmandu on Monday, calling for immediate progress in search and rescue operations at the Upper Trishuli-3B Hydropower Project. One woman participating in the protest accused the government of failing to accept foreign assistance during the initial days of the flood. “The government did not accept foreign assistance on the first day of the flood. If it had, our people might have been found,” she said. “The government keeps saying rescue operations are underway, but there are no results. My brother and many others are still missing.”
Tributes paid to Bhotekoshi flood victims with candlelight vigil at Tourism Board
A candlelight vigil was held at the Nepal Tourism Board on Monday evening to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the devastating flood that swept through the Trishuli River after originating in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa, and to pray for the safe rescue of those still missing. The programme was attended by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadga Raj Paudel ‘Ganesh’, along with Ministry Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Department of Tourism Director General Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Disaster Management Coordinator Hikmat Singh Ayer, former Nepal Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Dipak Raj Joshi, Board officials, tourist police officers, representatives of various tourism-related organisations and tourism entrepreneurs. Participants observed a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives and prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls. They also lit candles, wishing for the successful search and rescue of missing Nepali and foreign nationals and their safe return.
Lamps lit at Pashupatinath to honor lives lost in floods and landslides
Lamps have been lit at the Pashupatinath Temple to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in floods, landslides and other natural disasters across the country, including the Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa on Bhadra 10. The lamp-lighting ceremony was organised by the Pashupati Area Development Trust to pray for the eternal peace of the departed and express condolences to the bereaved families, said Trust Member Secretary Tirtha Shrestha. The ceremony began in front of the Pashupatinath Temple on Monday evening. Shrestha said prayers were also offered for the speedy recovery of those injured in the floods and for the safe recovery of those who remain missing.
NC contributes Rs 10 million to PM Disaster Rescue Fund
The Nepali Congress has contributed Rs 10 million financial aid to Prime Minister Natural Disaster Rescue Fund for relief and rehabilitation to the people of Bhotekoshi flood affected areas. A delegation led by NC General-Secretary Pradip Paudel handed over a check equivalent to the amount to Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle on Monday. Party Treasurer Umesh Shrestha, Spokesperson Devraj Chalise, a member of House of Representative from Rasuwa, Mohan Acharya, as well as other leaders were in the delegation.
Electricity restored to 99% of households in Dhading
The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has made significant progress in restoring electricity in areas severely affected by the recent floods. Power supply has been restored to 99.8 percent of households in Dhading and 96.7 percent in Nuwakot, despite difficult weather conditions. Both districts were among those severely affected by the Bhotekoshi flash flood on August 26 and the subsequent disasters. A technical team from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is continuing efforts to restore electricity to the remaining households in Rasuwa. Meanwhile, search and rescue operations are underway at several hydropower projects, including Upper Trishuli-3A, Upper Trishuli-3B, Chilime and Rasuwagadhi.
Nepali Army estimates 121 people trapped in hydropower tunnels
The Nepali Army has estimated that 121 people have been trapped inside tunnels at various hydropower projects in Rasuwa following the devastating Bhotekoshi flood on August 26. Brigadier General Subash Jung Thapa shared the estimate at a press conference organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority on Monday. “Based on our assessment, it appears that 121 people entered the tunnels,” Thapa said. “We will continue search and rescue operations until all the tunnels have been searched.” He added that some other hydropower project workers are believed to be trapped outside the tunnels.
Australia stands with Nepal during difficult time: PM Albanese
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating floods in Nepal, assuring that Australia stands with Nepal during the difficult period. Addressing the Australian Parliament, Albanese said 36 Australian citizens remain unaccounted for following the disaster. He extended his sympathies to the families and relatives of those missing and expressed hope that they would be found and brought to safety. As Nepal observed a day of national mourning on Monday for those who lost their lives in the disaster, Albanese also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and all others affected by the floods through a social media post.
Australian tunnel expert calls Nepal rescue toughest life test
The rescue of people believed to be trapped inside tunnels following the devastating Bhotekoshi River floods has become increasingly complex, with multiple potential rescue operations unfolding simultaneously at different locations. Professor Arnold Dix, a 62-year-old Australian tunnel expert and geologist leading the rescue efforts, said Nepal is facing an extraordinary situation involving several potential rescues, each presenting its own risks, uncertainties and challenges. Dix, who gained international recognition after helping rescue 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand, India, in 2023, described the situation in Nepal as one of the greatest tests of his life. Reflecting on the Silkyara operation in a social media post on Monday, he said the successful rescue of the 41 workers had demonstrated that seemingly impossible tasks could be accomplished through collective effort.
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