KATHMANDU: 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.
The devastating flood that originated from the Nepal-China border area on August 26, 2026, caused extensive loss of life and property along the Bhotekoshi River and surrounding areas in Rasuwa. The disaster caused widespread damage to settlements, roads, bridges and hydropower projects in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and other districts, while also affecting tourists and travellers in the region.
Following the disaster, government agencies and private-sector organisations in the tourism sector have been working together to identify affected tourists, facilitate rescue efforts and help maintain contact between them and their families.
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