KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
President Paudel urges government to speed up flood victim management and reconstruction
President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged the government to expedite the immediate management of Bhotekoshi flood victims, restoration of road and transport services, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. President Paudel suggested seeking support from the international community to build major infrastructure, including large Bailey bridges, if Nepal’s capacity is insufficient to restore road connectivity given the difficult geographical conditions. He also urged the prime minister to effectively raise Nepal’s case with the international community to seek compensation for the losses the country has suffered due to climate change.
State has stood as a shield to protect citizens’ lives: Rabi
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has said the state has stood as a shield to protect the lives of its citizens. Addressing the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Lamichhane said the state is currently engaged in search and rescue operations for citizens trapped in rubble and tunnels following the disaster on August 26. “I hear people asking, ‘Where is the state? What has the state done?’ The state is working day and night to provide shelter and support to citizens who have lost everything and are now living under the open sky,” Lamichhane said. He said the state has been working not only to restore roads and bridges swept away by the floods but also to rebuild the trust of citizens shaken by the disaster.
We will knock on the door of climate justice: Rabi Lamichhane
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has said Nepal must “knock on the door of climate justice” for those who lost their lives in the Bhote Koshi flood. Addressing the House of Representatives meeting on Wednesday, Lamichhane described those who lost their lives in the August 26 Bhote Koshi flood as “victims of climate injustice.” He said the victims lost their lives through no fault of their own. “Those who lost their lives in the Bhote Koshi flood are victims of climate injustice,” Lamichhane said.
Bhote Koshi flood: Death toll reaches 1,367 so far
A total of 1,367 bodies have been recovered so far following the devastating flash floods that struck the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems on August 26. Wednesday marks the 16th day since the disaster. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the recovered bodies include 174 from Rasuwa, 197 from Nuwakot, 70 from Dhading, 75 from Gorkha, 38 from Tanahun, 363 from Chitwan, 226 from Nawalparasi East and 222 from Nawalparasi West. NDRRMA Spokesperson Shanti Mahat said 102 of the recovered bodies have so far been identified and handed over to their families.
Subcommittee formed to study economic impact of Rasuwa flood
The Finance Committee of the House of Representatives has formed a subcommittee to study and assess the impact of the Rasuwa flood on the economy and issues related to climate finance. A seven-member subcommittee has been formed under the coordination of MP Sushil Khadka. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Finance Committee held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday. The subcommittee members are MPs Narendra Kumar Kerung, Parashuram Tamang, Dr Pushpa Raj Kandel, Lima Adhikari, Pushpa Chaudhary and Sushant Baidik.
Electricity restoration efforts in flood-hit areas accelerated: Energy Ministry
Efforts to restore electricity services disrupted by the Bhote Koshi River floods in Rasuwa have been intensified. According to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, the campaign to restore power supply in areas affected by the Rasuwa floods has been accelerated. The ministry said it has mobilized available resources and manpower since the day after the devastating flood struck on Bhadra 10. The ministry has adopted alternative measures to expedite the restoration of electricity services after the flood caused extensive damage to power infrastructure. As part of the effort, electricity services were restored in Bidur Municipality-10 and 11 of Nuwakot on Tuesday.
Dry landslide blocks Karnali Highway
The Karnali Highway has been blocked again following a dry landslide in Dailekh. The highway was blocked after a dry landslide fell from above at Bhamlu Khola in Dullu Municipality-1, Dailekh, along the Surkhet-Jumla section last night. According to Shrawan Kumar Mahatara, chief of the Road Division Office, Jumla, the highway had reopened on Tuesday afternoon after remaining blocked since Bhadra 20 due to landslides at Pili in Khandachakra Municipality, Gagane Khola in Shubhakalika Rural Municipality and S-Mound in Kalikot. The District Police Office, Dailekh, said the highway was blocked again by the landslide at Bhamlu Khola last night.
Finance Minister calls for realistic assessment of Bhote Koshi flood damage
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) of the damage caused by the Bhote Koshi flood accurately reflects the situation on the ground. Wagle issued the directive during a discussion held at the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday with officials from the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the World Bank’s Nepal office. The meeting focused on comparing the preliminary assessments prepared separately by an NPC task force through the RDNA process and the World Bank through the Global Rapid Damage Estimation (GRADE).
Floods, landslides disrupt highway traffic across Nepal
Several highways across the country remain blocked today due to floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall. Following flooding in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa, several highways in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, including the Prithvi Highway, have remained disrupted since August 26. The Prithvi Highway, which was blocked by landslides, remains completely impassable today. Vehicles have been unable to operate through Krishnabhir in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-7 of Dhading. Similarly, police said one-way traffic is currently allowed through Jwang Khola, located in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-10 and Gajuri Rural Municipality-2 of Dhading.
Deuba says Supreme Court review gives his faction hope of retaining Congress identity
Nepali Congress former president Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed confidence that his faction will receive justice after the Supreme Court granted permission to review its decision recognising Gagan Thapa as the party president following a special general convention. Addressing an interaction organised by the Nepali Congress Bhaktapur on Wednesday to mark the 133rd birth anniversary of BP Koirala, Deuba claimed that delegates had not been properly verified when the special general convention was convened. Deuba said the party statute allows for a special general convention but argued that it must be called by the party through a proper process. Recalling the first special convention held during Subarna Shumsher Rana’s tenure as party president, he said delegates at the time were fully verified before being allowed to participate.
Students surround Singha Durbar with gas cylinders over cooking gas shortage
The prolonged shortage of cooking gas has made daily life increasingly difficult for the general public, with the crisis continuing for nearly a month. As the government has failed to ensure a smooth supply of cooking gas, hotels in Kathmandu have also begun shutting down. Against this backdrop, students affiliated with the Nepali Communist Party’s sister organisation Nepal National Independent Students’ Union (Revolutionary) staged a demonstration at the southern gate of Singha Durbar on Wednesday, demanding an immediate end to the shortage. Carrying gas cylinders, the students protested to highlight the difficulties being faced by students and the general public due to the shortage.
Lower House members urge government, political parties to deliver on aspirations of Gen Z movement
The government and political parties have been advised to deliver on the aspirations of the Gen Z movement held on September 8-9 last year. Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives today, they said the movement was not merely aimed at changing the government. Rather, it was launched to establish the rule of law and promote good governance, they asserted. Purushottam Shuprabhat Yadav of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) urged the government to perform in accordance with the demands and spirit of Gen Z movement. He expressed his concern over the ‘arrests’ of Gen Z demonstrators, calling on the government to correct the move. Arjun Narsingh KC of the Nepali Congress voiced that the movement was aimed at bringing change in the governance system by promoting good governance and rule of law. He stressed that its spirit must be embraced by all and reflected in their actions.
Industry Minister Yadav instructs officials to facilitate LPG supply
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari Yadav has directed officials of Nepal Oil Corporation and LPG companies to make necessary arrangements to ensure consumers have easy access to cooking gas. Minister Yadav also instructed officials to allow consumers to exchange cylinders from one company for those of another at the same price if their preferred brand is unavailable in the Kathmandu Valley. Under the arrangement, consumers will be able to obtain LPG using cylinders of other companies when cylinders of their regular supplier are not immediately available. According to the minister’s secretariat, the measure is aimed at addressing supply disruptions caused by the floods and providing immediate relief to consumers.
Shashank warns Congress could split, says 15th general convention will be held under Deuba
Nepali Congress leader Dr Shashank Koirala has said there is a possibility of the party splitting, although efforts are underway to keep the party united. Koirala made the remarks at an event held in Bhaktapur, where he indicated that the party’s 15th General Convention would not be held under the leadership of Gagan Thapa. “There is a possibility that the party could split, but our effort is to bring everyone together and move forward united. We are making every possible effort,” Koirala said. He added, “The upcoming 15th General Convention will be held under Sher Bahadur Deuba’s leadership. Let us bring everyone together and make the convention successful.”
Air freight charges waived for flood relief supplies arriving from abroad
Nepal Airlines Corporation has decided to provide special concessions on the air transportation of relief materials being sent for people affected by the recent floods and other natural disasters. Under its corporate social responsibility initiative, the national flag carrier will waive all air freight charges for one month on relief supplies transported from its international stations for flood victims. According to the corporation, the waiver will be provided for food, medicines, clothing and other essential relief materials based on an official letter from the concerned embassy and in coordination with the embassy.
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