KATHMANDU: Economic Digest presents a brief yet comprehensive roundup of major business developments in Nepal, delivered in clear and accessible summaries.
The text presents a comprehensive picture of Nepal’s response to the devastating Bhote Koshi floods, highlighting both the scale of the disaster and the rapid mobilization of national and international resources. Within 36 hours, the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund received more than Rs 1.918 billion, raising its balance to Rs 4.091 billion. Major contributions from Surya Nepal, businessperson Raji Rana, provincial and local governments, and government officials demonstrate broad institutional and public solidarity.
International assistance has further strengthened the response, with the Asian Development Bank approving a $5 million emergency grant and Australia pledging AUD 5 million in humanitarian aid. These funds are directed toward immediate necessities such as food, shelter, medical supplies, debris removal, and logistical support, while technical assistance will facilitate long-term reconstruction.
Meanwhile, rescue and recovery efforts remain urgent. Nepal Telecom has restored 80 of 120 affected service sites, roads have reopened to small vehicles, and the Nepal Electricity Authority is conducting rescue operations at damaged hydropower projects. However, the situation remains critical, with 622 of 743 missing tourists and travelers still unaccounted for.
The government’s warning about fraudulent donation schemes underscores the importance of financial transparency. Overall, the response reflects significant solidarity and resource mobilization, but the large number of missing people, damaged infrastructure, and continuing rehabilitation needs indicate that recovery will require sustained coordination and substantial long-term investment.
Rs 1.918 billion raised for Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund in 36 hours
More than Rs 1.918 billion has been collected in the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund within 36 hours following the devastating Bhote Koshi floods, according to the Ministry of Finance. The ministry said the amount was deposited between Wednesday afternoon and midnight Thursday through accounts maintained at 10 commercial banks. Contributions increased after the government declared the flood-affected areas crisis-hit following the massive flooding in the Bhote Koshi River along the Nepal-China border on Wednesday, which caused extensive loss of life and property. With the latest contributions, the fund’s balance has reached Rs 4.091 billion, up from Rs 2.172 billion previously. The government has designated the Ministry of Finance as the focal ministry for receiving contributions and coordinating the fund. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle is personally receiving contributions of Rs 10 million or more from institutional donors, while individual donors can also make cash contributions directly through the ministry.
Gold price falls to Rs 318,500 per tola; silver unchanged
The price of gold declined in the domestic market on Friday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold fell by Rs 2,400 per tola (11.66 grams) to Rs 318,500. Gold was traded at Rs 320,900 per tola on Thursday. Meanwhile, the price of silver remained unchanged at Rs 4,965 per tola on Friday, the same as the previous day, according to the federation.
Nepal Telecom restores services at 80 sites affected by Bhote Koshi flood
Nepal Telecom has restored telecommunication services at 80 of the 120 sites affected by the Bhote Koshi flood in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading and is stepping up efforts to restore services at the remaining locations. According to Nepal Telecom spokesperson Kamal Lamichhane, technical teams and equipment have been deployed, including by helicopter, to restore mobile connectivity and strengthen towers that remain operational. In Rasuwa, the Goljung Tower in Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-5 has resumed operations, restoring services in Syabrubesi and surrounding areas, along with sections of the Syabrubesi-Timure Highway. In Nuwakot, the Gerkhu Mobile Tower has been brought back into operation, while teams are working to restore the Tupche Tower and stations near Timure using generators and fuel.
ADB approves $5 million emergency grant for Nepal
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an emergency grant of $5 million, equivalent to around Rs 750 million, to support immediate rescue and relief operations in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading following devastating floods and landslides. ADB President Masato Kanda stressed the urgent need to assist displaced families who have lost their homes and access to essential services. The grant, provided through the Asia-Pacific Disaster Response Fund, will support the supply of food, safe drinking water, temporary shelter, medicines and hygiene materials. It will also help finance debris removal and logistical operations. ADB has additionally initiated a technical assistance grant of up to $150,000 for post-disaster needs assessments and long-term reconstruction planning in coordination with the Government of Nepal and international development partners.
Australia announces AUD 5 million humanitarian aid for Nepal
The Australian government has announced a humanitarian assistance package worth AUD 5 million, equivalent to approximately Rs 545 million, to support rescue and relief operations in communities affected by the catastrophic floods along the Nepal-China border. According to official statements, emergency assistance and consular support are being rapidly deployed to address immediate humanitarian needs, assist search operations and support the rehabilitation of people displaced by the disaster.
Cabinet decides to contribute one month’s salary to disaster relief fund
The government has decided to deposit one month’s salary or remuneration of the Prime Minister and all members of the Council of Ministers into the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund to support disaster response and relief efforts. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting held Friday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The meeting also directed the Ministry of Finance to prepare a concession and rehabilitation package for individuals and business entities affected by the floods that struck Rasuwagadhi along the Nepal-China border, the Bhote Koshi River and downstream areas on Wednesday. The package is intended to provide relief and support the recovery and rehabilitation of people and businesses affected by the disaster.
121 tourists rescued, 622 remain unaccounted for after floods
A total of 121 tourists and travelers have been rescued, while 622 remain unaccounted for following devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers that affected Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the figures were updated as of 5:30 pm Friday in coordination with the Tourist Police and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. Of the 743 travelers from 36 countries reported missing after Wednesday’s floods, 121 have been rescued. Among those still unaccounted for are 98 of the 183 Indian nationals, 149 Nepalis, 65 of 67 Americans, 61 Ukrainians, 51 Malaysians, 35 Australians and 33 Britons.
Government warns against scams targeting Bhote Koshi relief funds
The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) has urged the public and international donors to remain vigilant against unauthorized QR codes and personal bank accounts soliciting donations in the name of flood relief. The warning follows the devastating flash flood that struck the Bhote Koshi region of Rasuwa on August 26, prompting a widespread response and large-scale collection of relief contributions. In a press release, OPMCM Joint Secretary and spokesperson Hemraj Aryal expressed serious concern over individuals, groups and organizations publicizing personal account numbers to collect financial assistance. The government urged donors to verify the authenticity of accounts before making contributions to ensure transparency and prevent financial fraud. It said legitimate contributions to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund should be made only through officially verified account titles, including PRIME MINISTER DISASTER RELIEF FUND, DISASTER RELIEF FUND or PDPU. Authorities have also published authorized channels, including SWIFT transfers, remittance partners and verified QR systems, to help protect donors and ensure assistance reaches affected communities.
Sudurpaschim government to deposit Rs 20 million in PM disaster fund
The Sudurpaschim provincial government has decided to provide Rs 20 million for the relief and rehabilitation of victims of the Bhote Koshi floods. The decision was taken at a meeting of the provincial Council of Ministers on Friday. Provincial government spokesperson Prakash Bahadur Rawal said the amount would be deposited into the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. The provincial government has also decided to send a medical team to provide treatment to people injured or falling ill in the flood-affected areas. The meeting further decided to appoint Gokarna Prakash Bhatta as vice-chair of the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission. Ganga Datta Joshi and Hira Chand were appointed as members of the commission.
Former PM Sushila Karki donates one month’s pension to flood relief fund
Former Prime Minister Sushila Karki has donated her one month’s pension of Rs 77,000 to support rescue and relief efforts for victims of the Bhote Koshi floods. According to her secretariat, Karki deposited the amount from her monthly pension into a Rastriya Banijya Bank account designated for the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. In an appeal, Karki urged people to stand together to overcome the crisis caused by the floods. She praised those working around the clock in rescue, relief, treatment and rehabilitation efforts and called on people to support affected families and communities according to their capacity.
Tokha Municipality contributes Rs 12 million to relief fund
Tokha Municipality has decided to provide Rs 12 million in financial assistance to support relief efforts for victims of the Bhote Koshi River floods. Chief Administrative Officer Kamal Bhattarai said the municipality will deposit Rs 2 million into the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. The amount will be collected from allowances of elected representatives, salaries of municipal employees and teachers, and the municipal disaster management fund. In addition, the municipality has allocated a grant of Rs 10 million to construct or repair a critical public infrastructure project, such as a damaged road, bridge or school, in one of the affected local administrative units.
Surya Nepal donates Rs 150 million to Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund
Surya Nepal has contributed Rs 150 million to the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund to support disaster response and relief operations. According to the Ministry of Finance, the company handed over the contribution to Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle on Friday following a meeting with him. The ministry said the donation is the largest private-sector contribution received by the fund with prior notice. Surya Nepal Managing Director Gaurav Tayal, Vice Presidents Dipra Lahiri and Rabi KC, and General Manager Prem Aryal handed over the cheque to Minister Wagle.
Businessperson Raji Rana contributes Rs 10.9 million to disaster relief fund
Businessperson Raji Rana, 87, has contributed Rs 10.9 million to the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund to support relief efforts following the floods. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle received the cheque on behalf of the fund from Rana’s assistant, Krishna Basnet, at the Ministry of Finance on Friday. The contribution is among the largest individual donations received by the fund. Employees at Rana’s office also contributed Rs 80,000 from their personal funds to support the relief effort. Rana has additionally prepared food and other in-kind assistance worth Rs 2.5 million. According to Basnet, the assistance will be provided to areas in need in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Power outage hits central region after transmission line faults
Electricity supply in Kathmandu and other parts of the central region was disrupted on Friday following simultaneous technical faults in both circuits of the Khapti-Dhalkebar 220-kilovolt transmission line. The disruption was compounded by scheduled maintenance work on several 132-kilovolt transmission lines. The Nepal Electricity Authority restored electricity supply to the Kathmandu Valley by 9:44 am using alternative supply routes through the Sampatiya substation in India and the Mainahiya substation. Technical teams have begun on-site inspections and repair work to fully stabilize the regional power network.
Road section reopens for small vehicles connecting Rasuwa
The Kathmandu-Tokha-Chhahare-Gadhkhar Bridge-Aapra-Nanja-Lachhyang-Sarmathali-Patikharka road section via Bogetitar-Kalikasthan-Dhunche has reopened to small four-wheeled vehicles. The reopening has reconnected Rasuwa with the national road network, allowing residents and stranded travelers to move and facilitating the initial transportation of essential goods through the mountainous region. Nepal Electricity Authority intensifies rescue operations at damaged hydropower projects The Nepal Electricity Authority has stepped up rescue operations to evacuate employees and workers stranded at various hydropower projects following the recent floods. The authority dispatched additional helicopters carrying rescue equipment, essential supplies and specialized personnel from Kathmandu on Friday morning. Working in coordination with security agencies, rescue teams are prioritizing the evacuation of workers stranded at hydropower projects in Nuwakot and Rasuwa. Personnel from the Shanti Bazaar area are also being relocated to safer locations.
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