KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Rasuwa flood death toll hits 579, nearly 2,000 still missing
The bodies of 579 people swept away by the Bhotekoshi floods in Rasuwa have been recovered, while 1,924 people remain unaccounted for. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) released the figures as of 7 pm on Friday. According to the authority, the highest number of bodies—233—have been recovered in Chitwan. Similarly, 12 bodies have been recovered in Rasuwa, 37 in Nuwakot, 40 in Dhading, 46 in Gorkha, 154 in Nawalparasi East, 27 in Nawalparasi West and 30 in Tanahun. A total of 1,924 people, including Nepali and foreign nationals, remain unaccounted for following the floods. Of them, 517 are foreign nationals, according to the authority.
State will reach out to every flood-affected citizen: PM Shah
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah has said the government will reach out to every citizen affected by the floods and landslides, stressing that the state stands with families facing difficult times. He made the statement while providing an update on the latest situation in the Bhote Koshi flood-affected areas through a Facebook post this evening. “In this difficult time, the state is with every family affected by the disaster,” Prime Minister Shah said. “The state will reach out to every citizen waiting for rescue.” According to him, 15,431 security personnel have been mobilized for search, rescue and relief operations in flood- and landslide-affected areas, including Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Of them, 4,473 are from Nepal Police, 6,755 from the Nepal Army and 4,203 from the Armed Police Force Nepal.
Trump vows to provide Nepal with any assistance needed
US President Donald Trump has pledged to provide Nepal with “any help that they need” in the aftermath of the devastating Bhotekoshi flash floods that struck the country on Wednesday, NBC News reported. According to NBC News, Trump said he had spoken with Nepali officials and acknowledged that a number of Americans remain missing following the disaster. “We’ve called Nepal, and we’ve offered any help that they need,” Trump was quoted as saying. Earlier on Thursday, the US Department of State announced $500,000 in assistance to support flood-affected communities in Nepal. According to the US Embassy in Kathmandu, the assistance will be provided through a global award with Catholic Relief Services and will support emergency shelter, relief supplies, and water, sanitation and hygiene services for communities affected by the floods.
Australia announces $5 million aid package for Nepal flood victims
The Australian Government has announced a $5 million humanitarian assistance package for communities affected by the catastrophic floods along the Nepal-China border. The Australian government said it was rapidly mobilizing consular and humanitarian support in response to the disaster, while confirming that at least 39 Australian nationals are among those reported missing. Australian officials are working to establish the whereabouts and welfare of the missing Australians and provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. “The extraordinary scale of this disaster and the remoteness of the affected region mean immense challenges lie ahead for the response and recovery,” the Australian Government said.
Nepal ready to accept int’l help when needed: Foreign Minister
The government has clarified its position on questions and comments regarding why international rescue teams were not called in to assist search and rescue operations following the massive flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said international assistance had not been rejected, but the rescue strategy was determined based on Nepal’s national capacity, immediate needs and unique geographical conditions. He said that, given Nepal’s rugged terrain and local environmental conditions, rescue teams from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have long been accustomed to working in such circumstances. Therefore, the government prioritized the maximum deployment of its own security forces during the initial phase of the rescue operation.
India to send ‘tunnel rescue team’, Bailey bridge to Nepal
India has said it is preparing to send a tunnel rescue team to Nepal at the request of the Nepali government. Speaking at a regular press conference, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said a reconnaissance team would be sent first to assess the situation and identify the materials and equipment required for the rescue operation. He added that a team of health workers would also be sent to Nepal. Jaiswal said India has a Bailey bridge available in Nepal that could be used if required. Nepal had written to India and China on Friday requesting 42 Bailey bridges. He also said India has offered to deploy rescuers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Nepal and is awaiting Nepal’s response.
121 tourists from nine countries rescued safely
A total of 121 tourists from nine countries who were stranded in the Rasuwa floods have been safely rescued so far. According to an update from the Nepal Tourism Board, those rescued include 85 Indian nationals, 16 Chinese, nine South Koreans, two Americans, two Russians, two Italians, one Bulgarian, one Swiss national and three people whose nationalities have not been disclosed. The board said it is coordinating with the government, Tourist Police and tourism-related organizations regarding tourists stranded in the affected areas. The board said emergency assistance can be sought by calling 1234. Alternatively, the 1144 hotline or Tourist Police at 9851289445 can also be contacted.
PM Office warns against unauthorized fund collection in name of flood victims
The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) has urged individuals, groups and organizations not to collect money without authorization in the name of flood victims, warning that those involved will face action in accordance with the law. The OPMCM said it has received complaints that individuals, groups and organizations have been forcefully collecting money from various areas in the name of providing financial support for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of citizens affected by the Bhotekoshi flash flood. Taking note of such activities, the OPMCM urged all concerned not to collect funds without authorization.
644 foreign nationals among 2,381 missing in Rasuwa flood
A total of 2,381 people, including 644 foreign nationals, have been reported missing following the devastating Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa, according to Nepal Police. Police said 127 Nepali citizens who were living abroad and had returned to Nepal for travel are also among those reported missing. Of the 644 foreign nationals reported missing, 178 are Indian citizens. The list also includes 65 US nationals, 53 Ukrainians, 51 Malaysians, 35 Australians, 33 British nationals, 25 Canadians, nine Singaporeans, eight Germans, eight Russians, six South Africans, six Latvians, five Japanese, five New Zealanders, four French nationals, three Belgians and three Spaniards. Similarly, two citizens each from Kazakhstan, Portugal, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands have been reported missing. One citizen each from Sweden, Hungary, Serbia, Switzerland, Israel, the Philippines, Finland, Belarus, Lithuania and Bulgaria is also unaccounted for.
Lake in China bursts, Rasuwa authorities urge caution
A lake formed in the mountainous terrain of China near the Nepal border has burst, prompting authorities in Rasuwa to urge residents to remain alert. The District Administration Office, Rasuwa, said a large lake formed near the confluence of the Chochen River and Purepu Tsangpo River in China has burst. Rasuwa Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar said the information about the lake breach was received from the Chinese side. The development comes as Nepal continues to grapple with the devastating Bhotekoshi flood of August 26, which has caused significant loss of life and property across the country.
Foreign Minister Khanal holds telephone conversation with Australian counterpart
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong held a telephone conversation today on the catastrophic flash floods that have affected Nepal. The conversation focused on the loss of human lives and physical infrastructure, as well as ongoing search, rescue and relief efforts in flood-hit areas, including Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. Minister Wong expressed deep sorrow, on behalf of the Australian government, over the tremendous loss of lives and pledged all possible support to Nepal during this hour of tragedy. In response, Minister Khanal expressed gratitude to the Australian government and people for their solidarity and support. He also thanked the Australian government for the goodwill it has shown towards Nepal during this difficult time.
Army puts river rescue operations on alert as Bhotekoshi water level rises
Rescue operations along the banks of the Bhotekoshi River have been affected following reports of another dam breach in Tibet. Security personnel have been instructed to move to safer locations as a precautionary measure. Nepali Army Spokesperson Rajaram Basnet said the water level in the Bhotekoshi River has risen by around two feet. Basnet, who is currently in the flood-affected area, said an alert team has also been stationed in Timure. “Our alert team is also stationed in Timure. We have instructed the teams deployed along the tunnel route to remain in safe locations,” he said. The Army has placed river-based rescue operations on alert due to the rising water level. However, rescue and other relief activities are continuing in other areas.
Govt asks India, China to provide 42 Bailey bridges
The government has requested India and China to provide 42 additional Bailey bridges to help restore connectivity in flood-affected areas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote to the two neighboring countries on Friday, requesting the provision of 42 Bailey bridges. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport said 41 bridges in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading were completely damaged by Wednesday’s floods. According to the ministry, Nepal currently has only seven Bailey bridges in stock.
Gandaki govt to contribute Rs 40 million to PM Disaster Relief Fund
The Gandaki Province government has decided to provide Rs 40 million to support victims of the Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa. Issuing a press statement today, Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey said the amount would be deposited into the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. Chief Minister Pandey said the provincial government has been coordinating with concerned authorities in efforts to search for people missing in the disaster and ensure the proper management of the recovered bodies. “I urge all concerned agencies to mobilize their resources effectively for search and rescue operations, provide treatment to the injured, arrange safe shelter for homeless and affected people, and ensure the necessary relief assistance,” the statement quoted Pandey as saying.
Tokha Municipality to provide Rs 12 million for Bhotekoshi flood victims
Tokha Municipality has decided to provide Rs 12 million in support of communities affected by the Bhotekoshi flood. Chief Administrative Officer of Tokha Municipality Kamal Bhattarai said Rs 2 million will be contributed from the municipality’s disaster management fund to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. The amount will be sourced by reducing expenditure on facilities for elected representatives, as well as salaries and other expenses related to employees and teachers. The municipality has also decided to provide a Rs 10 million grant to the concerned local government for the reconstruction of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and schools, damaged by the flood, Bhattarai said.
27 people from Banke missing after Bhotekoshi flash floods
A total of 27 people from Banke district who were working in Rasuwa and Nuwakot have gone missing following the Bhotekoshi flash floods on Wednesday. Assistant Chief District Officer of Banke Mahesh Kumar Gurung said the families of those missing have urged the district administration to facilitate search and rescue efforts. According to him, 14 men and 13 women from the district remain out of contact following the disaster. Of the 27 missing people, 20 are permanent residents of Banke, five are migrant workers and two are Indian nationals. All of them had been working in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts at the time of the disaster.
Roads across country, including Prithvi Highway, remain blocked
Several major highways and roads across the country have been obstructed by landslides and debris triggered by the Bhotekoshi floods and continuous rainfall. According to Nepal Police Headquarters, the Muglin–Galchhi, Muglin–Narayangadh, Mechi Highway, Rukum West Bheri Corridor, Pasang Lhamu Highway and Shahid Marg in Rolpa, among other road sections, have been affected. One-way traffic has been operating along the Galchhi–Baireni section of the Prithvi Highway since Thursday evening. Traffic has also resumed in the Jarikhet section after accumulated soil and rocks were cleared, according to Shubharaj Neupane, spokesperson for the Department of Roads.
Rasuwa flood: 13,295 security personnel mobilized for search and rescue; 1,976 people rescued
A total of 13,295 security personnel, 15 helicopters and emergency coordination teams from various government agencies have been mobilized for search and rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts following the Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said 12 thematic emergency coordination teams have been formed and deployed in the flood-affected areas to coordinate search and rescue, health services, restoration of communication and electricity, road clearance, relief distribution, international assistance and information management.
Pakistan PM expresses condolences over flood devastation in Nepal
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah this afternoon to convey his heartfelt condolences over the tragic loss of lives and widespread devastation caused by the recent flash floods and landslides. Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the Government and people of Nepal during this difficult hour. Prime Minister Sharif assured Prime Minister Shah of Pakistan’s full support and said that Pakistan is dispatching emergency relief assistance to contribute to the ongoing relief efforts.
Prithvi Highway remains blocked for three days
The Prithvi Highway remains blocked along the Kathmandu–Muglin–Narayangadh road section, with efforts underway to clear mud and debris deposited by the Bhotekoshi flood. The highway has been obstructed since Wednesday evening after the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa caused large quantities of mud to accumulate at several locations in Dhading’s Gajuri and Galchhi rural municipalities. According to Traffic Police Superintendent Dilli Narayan Pandey, mud remains to be cleared at three locations—two in Gajuri Rural Municipality and one in Galchhi Rural Municipality.
Bhotekoshi flood: 41 bridges destroyed, govt seeks Bailey bridges from India and China
Around 40 kilometers of the road linking Rasuwa have been completely damaged by the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River. The flood has disrupted the Syafrubesi–Rasuwagadhi road section through Betrawati–Mailung. Similarly, around 10 kilometers of the Galchhi–Trishuli road section has been rendered impassable. Around 13 kilometers of the Prithvi Highway has also been covered with mud and debris. The Department of Roads has prioritized clearing the debris to restore vehicular movement along the highway. The floods have completely destroyed 41 bridges in key border areas connecting Nepal and China. The government currently has seven Bailey bridges, each with a maximum length of 50 meters. Preparations are underway to install the available bridges after assessing the requirements and technical feasibility at the affected locations.
KMC to provide assistance to Bhotekoshi flood victims
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has announced that it will step up efforts to support the rescue, treatment and relief of people affected by the Bhotekoshi flood. Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol said the metropolis would provide necessary assistance after meeting flood-affected people receiving treatment at various hospitals and the family members of those who remain missing. Acting Mayor Dangol, accompanied by her team, visited Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and the National Trauma Center to assess the treatment arrangements for the injured and gather information about their condition and other needs. Dangol said the necessary procedures would be initiated immediately to facilitate the rescue, treatment and relief of disaster victims.
Janai Purnima celebrated across Nepal
Janai Purnima, a major Hindu festival, was observed across Nepal today as devotees perform traditional rituals, change their sacred Janai and receive Raksha Bandhan. Followers of Vedic Sanatan Dharma gathered at rivers, lakes, ponds and other religious sites from early morning to take ritual baths and receive the sacred Raksha Sutra from their Guru Purohit. According to religious belief, the thread, consecrated through Vedic chants and rituals, offers protection from negative forces and promotes well-being. Brahmin priests tie the sanctified Raksha Bandhan, or sacred thread, around devotees’ right wrists while reciting Vedic mantras. The thread is traditionally believed to be spiritually empowered through prayers, penance and worship.
350 people trapped in Upper Trishuli Hydropower tunnel rescued alive
The Nepali Army (NA) rescued 350 workers and local residents alive after they were trapped inside a tunnel of the Upper Trishuli Hydropower Project on Thursday. They had been trapped in the tunnel following a devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa on Wednesday morning. The NA said its personnel worked tirelessly to carry out the rescue operation despite adverse weather conditions that posed significant risks. The NA said efforts are continuing to safely evacuate more than 100 people who remain trapped inside the same tunnel. A team under the command of military officer Bhaktajan Basnet from Number 1 Second Movement Tactical Headquarters (Trishuli) has been deployed around the clock for the rescue operation.
Gold price falls by Rs 2,400, silver remains unchanged
The price of gold in the domestic market fell by Rs 2,400 per tola today, while the price of silver remained unchanged. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations, gold is being traded at Rs 318,500 per tola today, while silver is priced at Rs 4,965 per tola. On Thursday, the price of gold stood at Rs 320,900 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs 4,965 per tola.
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