Kathmandu, 12 Bhadra – Within just 36 hours of an appeal for assistance to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, more than 1.91 billion rupees have been collected. According to the Ministry of Finance, this amount was deposited from Wednesday noon through Thursday midnight into accounts held at 10 different commercial banks.
Following the devastating flood in the Bhote Koshi River near the Nepal-China border on Wednesday morning, which caused widespread damage, the government convened a cabinet meeting and declared the affected areas as disaster-stricken zones. Subsequently, various generous individuals and organizations began contributing to the relief fund. The Ministry of Finance has been designated as the focal agency for receiving and coordinating deposits into the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle stated that donor institutions pledging donations of one crore rupees or more are having their contributions approved directly through him. Additionally, individual donors can deliver cash donations in person at the ministry. The total balance accumulated in the fund has now reached 4.09 billion rupees. Prior to this collection, the fund held 2.17 billion rupees. During a six-hour period on Thursday, private sector donors in Nepal contributed 273.3 million rupees through the ministry. It is important to note that this total does not include amounts pledged by friendly nations.
On Wednesday, light to moderate rainfall was reported around Rasuwa. While the Department of Meteorology assessed it as normal rain, a flood triggered approximately 20 kilometers northeast of the Rasuwa Gadhi border area caused significant damage to lives and property.
Nepali officials reported that the flood resulted from a landslide of an ice block obstructing the river.
According to details released by the Department of Meteorology, within minutes the flood extensively affected the lower riparian areas.
“This event highlighted the critical importance of minute-by-minute and second-by-second alertness,” said Anil Pokharel, former chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
“We have many gaps in our internal and cross-border warning systems. Currently, there is no system for international information sharing. Within the country, too, reliable warning mechanisms for such events are lacking.”
At 8:50 AM, the Syaphrubesi hydrological monitoring station, located just below the Rasuwa Gadhi border, began reporting data.
From 9:15 AM, the Department of Meteorology issued early warnings urging residents in the riverbank and at-risk areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan to exercise high vigilance.
During this time, approximately 679,295 SMS messages were sent through Nepal Telecom and Ncell networks to inform the public.
However, by 9:20 AM, the Betrawati monitoring station ceased reporting. Cities are located both upstream and downstream along the riverbank in this area.
Warning: Floods Could Recur
Image Source, EPA
Preliminary analysis by Nepal’s meteorological agencies using satellite imagery and data obtained from national and international organizations shows a glacier landslide in the border region has caused an extremely high flow surge.
Basanta Raj Adhikari, director of the Disaster Study Center under the Engineering Study Center at Tribhuvan University, shared video footage revealing water accumulation behind an ice-block landslide dam.
“That dam could gradually erode and release water, or it could suddenly burst. There is a critical need for heightened vigilance,” the geologist commented.
He emphasized the urgent necessity to assess the dam’s structural integrity.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority issued a statement Thursday afternoon reporting the obstruction of the Lende River near 18 kilometers above Rasuwa Gadhi, resulting in the formation of a 0.11 square kilometer lake.
Preliminary satellite images captured on the morning of Bhadra 11 at 11:44 AM indicate an ongoing risk of a massive flood if the natural dam bursts.
The statement further calls for residents of lower riparian areas and all concerned to remain highly cautious and follow necessary safety measures.
Adhikari referenced the 2014 Jure landslide, noting how the Nepali Army resorted to controlled detonations to open the dam in a similar situation.
“Only after evaluating the dam’s stability can we determine if and when it might fail,” he stated.
Meteorologist Rojan Lamichhane from the Department of Meteorology indicated that while light rain was expected in upper Rasuwa on Thursday evening, conditions remained normal in Nuwakot and Dhading.
The sudden flood on Wednesday led to significant loss of life and property along the riverbanks.
At 11:20 AM, the Firkhe (Malekhu) hydrological station measured water levels above the alert level of 7 meters, and by 11:40 AM, the danger level of 8 meters was surpassed, reaching a peak of 10.48 meters before the station was swept away.
Similarly, at the Kalikhola hydrological monitoring station near Muglin, water levels crossed the danger threshold of 12.1 meters at 2:14 PM, peaking at 12.3 meters.
Analysis of flow measurements at Devghat on Wednesday estimates an additional volume of nearly 20 million cubic meters of floodwater from 2:10 PM to 6:00 PM beyond base flow, according to meteorological officials.
Was Information Received in Time?
On Wednesday, the Department of Meteorology sent phased SMS alerts via Votexoshi and Trishuli riverbank areas—including Timure, Syaphrubesi, Betrawati, Trishuli, Galchi, Malekhu, Muglin, Narayangadh, and surrounding settlements—urging residents to proceed to safer locations. However, feedback suggests the time allotted was insufficient for evacuation.
Geologist Adhikari stated, “This was a truly unprecedented event. Even China was unaware of it; otherwise, they would have informed us at the border crossing.”
“The event unfolded very rapidly. We were unable to prevent it, but efforts were made to disseminate warnings as quickly as possible.”
Image Source, Reuters
The official highlighted the need for increased investment in automated warning systems following this flood.
“In coming days, risk zones should be identified and monitored using remote sensing technology. Comprehensive geographical assessments to locate melting glacial lakes and potential landslide-prone areas are essential to establish ground stations,” the expert explained.
“These ground stations will provide real-time data on geographical events.”
Former Disaster Authority chief Pokharel emphasized the need for a comprehensive, integrated, and swift warning system rather than relying solely on SMS alerts for such emergencies.
“Settlements vulnerable to floods should be equipped with siren systems that ensure uniform real-time alerts across all communication media,” Pokharel said.
“Additionally, an inter-country information exchange system is lacking. Last year’s flood was a strong indication of this deficiency.”
Nepali fighter Ravindra Dhat, who has reached the final of Road to UFC, has appealed to everyone for assistance amid the severe flood situation in Nepal. Dhat secured his place in the final by defeating New Zealand’s Kasib Murdak and is now preparing to compete against Yor Tajimasu. Tajimasu earned his spot in the final by defeating Indian fighter Chunggren Koren in the semifinals. Kathmandu, 12 Bhadra.
Speaking on Friday after advancing to the final, Dhat highlighted the difficult conditions currently faced in Nepal and urged people to come forward to help. “Nepal is going through a very challenging time due to floods. I request everyone to contribute whatever support they can from their end,” he said.
Having triumphed over New Zealand’s Kasib Murdak to reach the final, Dhat will now face Yor Tajimasu, who qualified for the final after defeating India’s Chunggren Koren. The winner of the final will earn the opportunity to join the UFC.
The Bhotekoshi flood has caused direct damage to 13 hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, leaving 933 workers unaccounted for. According to the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN), 576 workers remain missing specifically at the Upper Trishuli-1 project, with fears they may be trapped inside tunnels, necessitating immediate rescue operations. The Ministry of Energy and Nepal Electricity Authority have deployed additional helicopters to accelerate rescue efforts for the trapped employees and laborers in Nuwakot and Rasuwa projects. September 28, Kathmandu.
The flood and landslides have impacted both under-construction and operational projects, endangering hundreds of workers. IPPAN reports direct damage to 13 hydropower plants, with 933 workers uncontactable. Among them, 254 have been rescued, while some have reestablished communication; however, a significant number remain unreachable.
According to IPPAN Senior Vice President Uttam Bhlon, both private and government sector projects have been affected. “The damage is greater than anticipated; currently, the focus is entirely on rescue and relief efforts,” he stated. Immediate rescue is critical at projects including Langtang Hydro, Upper Trishuli, Trishuli-3 ‘B’, and Chilime. However, roads and communication links have been completely severed until Thursday, compounding rescue difficulties.
While efforts have been made to use private helicopters for rescue, the lack of suitable landing zones at project sites along with technical and safety challenges have hindered these operations, Bhlon explained. “Contact is only possible with those who have been rescued and brought out; there is no road access to upper areas and mobile networks are down,” he added. IPPAN continues to update the government, Nepal Army, and Nepal Police about the condition of those trapped. The association is also preparing to mobilize institutional support for rescue and relief activities, Bhlon concluded.
Following the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods, Chitwan district saw the highest number of recovered bodies, where officials have reported a shortage of forensic medical experts and other resources necessary for managing the casualties.
Dr. Vishwabandhu Bagale, Chief Medical Superintendent at Bharatpur Hospital, told BBC there are only four forensic specialists available across the entire district.
He said that to conduct the necessary health examinations for the identification and management of bodies recovered from the floods, he has requested assistance from forensic experts at various hospitals who have come to Chitwan.
Ganesh Aryal, Chief District Officer of Chitwan, mentioned that the total capacity of mortuaries in the district is only 30, which has posed additional challenges due to the recovery of more than 200 bodies.
Shortage of Forensic Medical Experts
Photo Source, RSS
Dr. Bagale shared that due to shortages of time and healthcare staff, only the intact bodies have been examined promptly.
“We have been collecting identifying signs, photographs, and videos of those bodies and sending them to the body preservation center,” he explained.
However, since even this number of bodies surpasses local capacity, he has sent letters requesting forensic experts from across the country to come and assist in Chitwan.
He also noted that healthcare workers and volunteers from other hospitals have been called to assist, some of whom have already arrived.
According to Dr. Bagale, the district has a total of four forensic specialists—two at Bharatpur Hospital and two at Chitwan Medical College.
He added that two additional specialists have recently arrived following his requests for support.
Procedure for Body Handover
According to Chief District Officer Aryal, a ‘Help Desk’ has been established to assist relatives of missing persons in the identification of bodies.
“We show the bodies to the people who come there, and if any body belongs to their relatives, after completing administrative procedures and record collection, it is handed over,” he explained.
Aryal further disclosed that due to the indigent capacity of the existing mortuaries, a governmental office building has been temporarily converted into a mortuary.
Special measures have been taken to maintain required temperatures inside by installing air conditioning and dry ice to prevent outside air inflow, he added.
Photo Source, RSS
Caption, The temporary mortuary is adjacent to the Chitwan Industry Association building
Officials have confirmed that only two bodies have been positively identified so far.
Approximately 40% of the remaining bodies have been found in an advanced state of decomposition, making identification impossible.
Similar Conditions in Other Districts
According to Madhav Nepal, correspondent based in Butwal, similar challenges in body management have been noted in East Nawalparasi district bordering Chitwan.
Deputy Chief District Officer Chiranjivi Rana shared that due to space limitations, out of 134 bodies found in East Nawalparasi, 41 have been sent to hospitals in Pokhara, and eight to hospitals in Palpa.
He mentioned that other bodies have also been managed at hospitals within the district.
Similarly, in West Nawalparasi, 31 bodies have been transported to Lumbini Provincial Hospital in Butwal, Pipra Hospital in Kapilvastu, Bhim Hospital in Bhairahawa, and other local district hospitals.
Problems Due to Spreading Odor
Sugreev Tharu of Kohalpur, Banke, who traveled to Bharatpur searching for his missing brother, reported a strong foul odor spreading within the mortuary and observed that some bodies were leaking fluids.
The temporary mortuary is connected to the building of the Chitwan Industry Association.
Ganesh Prasad Silwal, Executive Director of the Association, stated, “The stench has even begun to permeate inside the office. It is unacceptable to keep the bodies under these conditions; the state must take responsibility and arrange for collective cremations.”
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Following the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods, Chitwan district, where the highest number of bodies have been recovered, faces a significant shortage of forensic experts and other resources for effective body management, officials have stated.
Dr. Bishwabandhu Bagale, Chief Medical Superintendent at Bharatpur Hospital, informed that there are only four forensic experts available across the district.
To conduct the necessary health examinations required for the management and identification of bodies retrieved from the flood, Dr. Bagale has appealed to forensic specialists from various hospitals who have come to Chitwan for assistance.
Ganesh Aryal, the Chief District Officer of Chitwan, highlighted that the total capacity of all morgues in the district is just 30, while more than 200 bodies have been recovered, leading to multiple challenges.
Shortage of Forensic Doctors
Image source, RSS
Dr. Bagale noted that due to time and healthcare staff shortages, only intact bodies have been examined so far.
“We collect possible identifying signs, photos, and videos of the bodies and send them to cold storage centers,” he explained.
However, as the number of such bodies exceeds facility capacity, Dr. Bagale has sent requests to forensic experts across the country to come to Chitwan for assistance.
He also mentioned that other healthcare workers and volunteers from different hospitals have been called in for support, with some already having arrived.
According to Dr. Bagale, the district has four forensic specialists: two at Bharatpur Hospital and two at Chitwan Medical College.
He added that two additional forensic experts have recently arrived in response to his appeal.
How Is the Body Handover Process Conducted?
Chief District Officer Aryal explained that a ‘Help Desk’ has been established to assist families in identifying their missing loved ones.
“People who come there are shown the bodies; if any body is identified as their relative’s, it is handed over after completing administrative procedures and proper documentation,” he stated.
He further noted that since morgue capacity in the district is insufficient, a government office has been converted into a temporary morgue.
To maintain the necessary temperature and prevent outside air from entering, air conditioning and dry ice have been installed in the temporary morgue, according to Aryal.
Image source, RSS
Image caption, The temporary morgue is adjacent to the Chitwan Industry Association building
Officials reveal that only two bodies have been positively identified so far.
Around 40 percent of the remaining bodies were found decomposed to a degree that hinders identification.
Similar Situation in Other Districts
According to correspondent Madhav Nepal in Butwal, the neighboring district of East Nawalparasi shares the same issues regarding body management.
Due to space constraints, of the 134 bodies found in East Nawalparasi, 41 have been transported to hospitals in Pokhara and eight to hospitals in Palpa, stated Assistant Chief District Officer Chiranjivi Rana.
He added that other bodies have been arranged at hospitals inside the district.
Similarly, the 31 bodies recovered in West Nawalparasi have been managed at Lumbini Provincial Hospital in Butwal, Pipra Hospital in Kapilvastu, Bhim Hospital in Bhairahawa, and local district hospitals.
Problems Due to Odor
Sugreev Tharu from Kohalpur, Banke, who traveled to Bharatpur searching for his missing brother, reported that the morgue emits a strong odor and some bodies were leaking fluids.
The temporary morgue is situated adjacent to the Chitwan Industry Association building.
Ganesh Prasad Silwal, Executive Director of the Association, said, “The odor from the bodies has started to permeate inside the office as well. This situation is unacceptable; the state needs to take responsibility and conduct mass funerals.”
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An 86-member group of tourists and Nepali assistants who embarked on a Mansarovar trip with Richa Treks Pvt. Ltd. have lost all contact since 9 AM from the Rasuwagadhi border checkpoint. The group comprises 18 Nepali staff members, 60 Indian tourists, 5 Americans, and 2 New Zealand citizens. According to company reports, the entire party has been unreachable since their last communication at the border in Rasuwagadhi.
The incident was reported on 12 Bhadra in Kathmandu. The company confirmed that the group, including the Nepali employees and international tourists from various countries, have been out of contact since that time. Efforts to establish communication are ongoing.
The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (DRRMA) has reported that the highest demand for relief materials among flood victims from Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts includes medicines, food, cooking utensils, and tarpaulins.
The government advises individuals wishing to provide relief materials or financial assistance not to personally visit the affected areas unnecessarily.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office expressed serious concern regarding unauthorized individuals, groups, and organizations publicly sharing unofficial QR codes and personal account numbers to collect funds.
Although there was already a ban on individuals, organizations, and offices collecting funds for flood victims independently, complaints have arisen about some collecting donations into their personal accounts.
The Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Finance have released nine official accounts and QR codes linked to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, including a US dollar (USD) account.
Previously, the Disaster Authority issued a notice to halt collection of financial aid at an individual level.
The authority noted complaints that individuals had begun collecting funds and sharing QR codes for cash donations without authorization.
The Prime Minister’s Office’s ‘Hello Sarkar’ platform has also received complaints regarding individual and organizational fundraising posts circulating on social media, according to Chandrasher Rana from the Hello Sarkar desk.
Rana mentioned that people have also been contacting the office to verify whether the QR codes circulating on social media, purporting to be linked to government relief funds, are legitimate.
“We are also sharing the official QR codes via WhatsApp,” he added.
How Can Those Who Want to Help Proceed?
Image source: RSS
According to Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for the Disaster Authority, financial contributions must be made only to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund or the Disaster Relief Fund, as per official arrangements.
“For non-financial donations, provisions have been made to contribute directly to the affected districts. Contact information for these districts has been published on our official Facebook page and website,” Mahat explained.
She added that arrangements have been made to receive relief items such as food, clothing, medicines, and other materials at warehouses located inside Tribhuvan International Airport, the Nepali Army barracks in Battar, Nuwakot, and the Nepal Police Training Center in Samakhusi.
The emergency warehouse at Tribhuvan Airport is used to gather aid materials arriving from overseas which are then dispatched to the flood-affected areas.
“Anyone seeking to provide assistance must coordinate with the Authority, as only materials matching the current needs of the affected areas will be accepted,” Mahat said.
Mahat noted that only local residents are permitted to distribute relief directly within their respective areas.
“Those residents do not need to come here for approval – we have waived that requirement. They can distribute the aid from their area. Our team at the Battar warehouse manages approvals, deciding what materials will be accepted or rejected,” she elaborated.
According to Purushottam Bhandari, officer of the emergency warehouse at Tribhuvan Airport complex, requests from Rasuwa district include tarpaulins, stretchers, first aid supplies, medicines, instant noodles, beaten rice, and blankets.
Similarly, Nuwakot and Dhading have requested rice, lentils, beaten rice, clothing, lighting devices, and cooking utensils.
What Should Those Willing to Help Avoid?
Image source: RSS
The Disaster Authority urges people to contact only the publicized phone numbers to obtain information on relief efforts and requests that individuals do not carry relief materials themselves to the affected areas.
“Individuals are not permitted to distribute relief directly to those affected. We have provided contact numbers; please give materials to them. Direct distribution by individuals is not allowed,” spokesperson Mahat emphasized.
Law Minister Sobita Gautam has also issued a social media notice warning that collected relief supplies must not be distributed at personal discretion, with penalties including potential prosecution.
Minister Gautam’s notice cautions against spreading rumors, misusing funds collected as donations or relief, distributing relief arbitrarily, or exploiting relief materials for personal benefit; violators face imprisonment and fines.
A video showing people removing jewelry from the body of a woman swept away in the Thursday flood went viral on social media.
Police have confirmed that individuals involved in the incident have been arrested.
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Four workers—Bhaktbahadur Maji, Balbahadur Maji, Rajan Bik, and Sunil Maji—trapped inside the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Plant have been safely rescued. Despite adverse weather conditions, preparation and deployment of rescue teams have been made at the Trishuli-3 ‘B’ and Upper Trishuli-3 ‘A’ hydropower projects for potential rescue operations. A dedicated helicopter equipped with necessary materials has also been deployed to aid in rescuing individuals stranded in flood-affected areas.
September 28, Kathmandu – The four workers trapped within the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Plant were safely extracted. The energy minister’s secretariat confirmed that Bhaktbahadur Maji, Balbahadur Maji, Rajan Bik, and Sunil Maji were rescued amid challenging weather conditions. The rescue team managed to bring the workers to safety inside the plant.
Additionally, preparations are underway for a potential rescue operation at the Trishuli-3 ‘B’ hydropower project. Although adverse weather has caused some delays, rescue efforts in the affected areas continue with high priority. To support the rescue of people trapped at the flood-impacted Upper Trishuli-3 ‘A’ hydropower site, a dedicated helicopter with necessary equipment has been deployed. Teams equipped with essential materials have been dispatched toward the project to effectively carry out the tunnel rescues.
Authorities have reported an increasing risk of epidemic as search efforts for missing persons continue following the devastating flood on Wednesday, with numerous bodies found across various locations. Ganesh Aryal, Chief District Officer of Chitwan, stated that managing the recovered bodies has presented additional challenges amid ongoing rescue and search operations. So far, 178 bodies have been recovered in Chitwan, comprising 74 men, 41 women, 6 boys, and 2 girls.
“Many of the bodies discovered yesterday (Thursday) were in a state of decomposition, heightening the challenge of managing them to prevent the spread of disease,” Aryal said. “We are coordinating closely with the central government on this matter.” Due to insufficient hospital capacity in Chitwan for storing bodies, a government office has been converted into a temporary morgue. Ishwar Joshi, working there, reported that foul odors have started emanating from the decomposing bodies. He stated, “I am currently in front of the morgue identification room. No new bodies have been brought in recently, but the bodies received yesterday have begun to decay and emit a strong odor.”
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has released figures indicating that 538 bodies have been recovered from the Bhote Koshi River flood so far. The number of people still unaccounted for stands at 977, with 73 injured. Among those missing are personnel from the police, army, armed police force, customs, and immigration offices, along with Nepali and foreign tourists. The authority also reported that 517 foreign nationals remain unaccounted for.
In order to curb the risk of an epidemic, the Ministry of Home Affairs is coordinating with the affected districts on how to manage the bodies amid rising death tolls. Deputy spokesperson Rama Acharya Subedi explained that discussions are ongoing on handling and transporting the recovered bodies to central locations in districts such as Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi.
She said, “Coordination is underway wherever bodies have been found to determine how to manage them properly. All efforts are focused on the swift and organized handling of these bodies. Discussions continue with the relevant authority.” The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division has advised that the risk of an epidemic escalates as bodies continue to be found in the affected districts. Dr. Anuj Bhattchan, Director of the division, highlighted the challenge of storing bodies in cold storage due to decomposition and difficulties in identifying them.
Dr. Bhattchan stated, “The need to store bodies in cold storage, the arrival of a large number at the same time, and limited facility capacity all add to the challenges. For instance, bodies found in Dhading may need to be transferred to Kathmandu or Pokhara. Another issue is that many bodies are extensively damaged, making identification a lengthy process and necessitating cold storage, which is a significant challenge.”
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Longchang City in China’s Sichuan Province on Friday. So far, there have been no reports of casualties or major damage resulting from the quake. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing in the border areas of Tibet and Nepal following recent floods and landslides, while China has issued a warning that the Barrier Lake may burst.
According to China’s Earthquake Network Center, the earthquake occurred on Friday in southwestern Sichuan Province. The epicenter was in Longchang City, Sichuan, located hundreds of miles away from the flood-affected areas near the Nepal-Tibet border. As of now, no information regarding deaths or significant damage from the earthquake has been released.
The earthquake happened amid ongoing rescue and relief operations triggered by devastating floods and landslides at the border earlier this week in Tibet and Nepal. These disasters have claimed hundreds of lives, with hundreds more still missing. On Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a meeting with top officials concerning the rescue efforts in Tibet. Authorities warned of continuous risks related to glacial lakes, glaciers, and geological disasters, which have complicated the ongoing relief operations.
In the flood-affected regions, rising water levels have prompted Nepal to issue new flood warnings. Officials have urged residents and rescuers in at-risk areas to move to safer locations. China has also cautioned that the recently formed Barrier Lake near the border may burst, increasing the threat of further flooding in downstream areas.
King Harald of Norway passed away at the age of 89 on Friday morning at 6:35 am at Oslo University Hospital, the palace confirmed. Following the king’s death, 53-year-old Crown Prince Haakon has automatically been declared the new King of Norway. King Harald had been undergoing treatment for hemolytic anemia since August 17 and had reduced his official engagements in recent years due to health issues.
After King Harald’s passing, the national flag at the palace has been lowered to half-mast. Members of the public have paid their respects by laying flowers at the palace. He is remembered as a humble, warm, and inclusive monarch. King Harald ascended the throne in 1991. In recent years, due to various health complications, he had a pacemaker installed and participated less frequently in official events.
As the king’s health worsened, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre canceled a scheduled work visit to Germany. The royal family had been in the news over the past year for health concerns and various controversies. Queen Sonja was also hospitalized due to heart-related issues. Controversy arose after information was revealed regarding Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s association with Jeffrey Epstein.
King Harald was deeply beloved by the Norwegian people for his simple lifestyle and inclusive approach. His son, Marius Borg Høiby, has been sentenced to four years in prison on 32 counts related to sexual assault, and he has filed an appeal against the verdict.
The Nepali Consul General in Lhasa has stated that the Chinese authorities estimate that more than 100 Nepalis are missing near the Rasuwagadhi border area.
Consul General Laxmi Niraula confirmed that approximately 200 Nepalis who have arrived in Kerung are in contact and safe.
However, the Nepali Consulate General in Lhasa also noted that the exact figures of Nepalis who reached the border have yet to be officially verified by the Chinese authorities.
The Nepali Embassy in Beijing has issued contact numbers to assist Nepalis stranded in Tibet in returning home. It has instructed those stranded to reach out to the Nepali Consulate General in Lhasa or the Embassy in Beijing.
“The flood swept away all infrastructure at the border point. As a result, we currently lack an updated list of who was present at the border,” Consul General Niraula quoted from the Chinese side.
Searching for Details of Nepalis
Image source, Reuters
Caption, The damage caused by the flood at a restaurant in China’s border area was shown on television
According to diplomats in Lhasa, efforts are underway with Chinese officials to update the list of individuals present at the border.
They also report that Nepal is seeking details of Nepalis who were at the border.
“All Nepalis who have crossed the border and reached Kerung are safe,” said Niraula.
Niraula stated that the Consulate General is coordinating with tour operators in Nepal to account for Nepalis and foreign tourists traveling toward the border.
“Along with destroyed infrastructure, both Nepalese and Chinese citizens may have been swept away by the flood. The Chinese side has initially reported about 100 missing Chinese citizens, and a similar number of Nepalis may also be missing,” Niraula said.
She added that teams have already been deployed from Beijing and Lhasa to the border area.
“Immediately following yesterday’s incident, we have been in contact with the Chinese side and initiated efforts to rescue and relocate Nepalis in China to safe places,” Niraula confirmed.
Diplomats report that Nepalis in Kerung are either on the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage or in transit on their way to or from the journey.
“The Kailash pilgrimage groups have departed from there. A group that arrived in Kerung last night has reached Kailash Mansarovar today and remains in contact with us,” she said.
Niraula also revealed plans to fly the first group of Nepalis stranded in Kerung back to Kathmandu this coming Friday via a flight from Lhasa.
She added that some Nepalis are being facilitated to return home via the Tatopani border through road transport.
“We have already requested local authorities for assistance to use the Tatopani border for return,” she stated.
Image source, BBC/AshokDahal/File
Caption, Photo of Rasuwagadhi border before the flood, which was closed for a long time last year due to flooding
Due to landslides at Liping, the Tatopani border has been closed for over one and a half months; however, Nepal has requested China to allow pilgrims and travelers through the border, Niraula said.
“Although cargo transport is restricted, the pilgrims can be permitted to return through that route,” she confirmed.
The Consulate General explained that the Nepalis in Kerung include pilgrims on the Kailash Mansarovar journey, business travelers, and others with short-term permits for shopping.
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On the occasion of Shrawan Shukla Purnima today, devotees have gathered in large numbers at the Pashupatinath premises in Kathmandu for Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan celebrations.
12 Bhadra, Kathmandu – Today marks Shrawan Shukla Purnima, an annual occasion when Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals are celebrated across the country. On this day, followers of Vedic Sanatan Dharma cleanse themselves in rivers, lakes, ponds, or tanks and receive the sacred protective thread, known as Raksha Sutra, from their guru or priest.
From early morning, a bustling crowd of devotees has gathered within the premises of Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath Temple.
Children in the Pashupati area are actively participating in bathing rituals, tying Raksha Bandhan threads, and changing their Janai (sacred thread). The priests within the Pashupatinath complex are fully engaged in performing rituals related to Raksha Bandhan and Janai Purnima.
Long lines of worshippers have formed for the darshan (holy viewing) of Lord Pashupatinath. Devotees can be seen tying Raksha Bandhan threads as well as coming to change their Janai.
Religious texts specify that men of Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya castes who wear the sacred thread must participate in Janai-changing rituals on this day. It is believed that when a guru or priest ceremoniously ties the mantric Raksha Sutra, it offers protection from negative influences and evil entities.
A customary part of Janai Purnima celebrations includes eating Kwanti, a nutritious soup made by soaking and sprouting a mixture of various grains.
Crowds, Janai Purnima, Pashupati
Author
Chandra Bahadur Ale
Ale is a photojournalist with extensive experience covering events at the temple.
Local residents and experts report that a minor flood has progressed from Syafrubesi in Rasuwa along the Bhote Koshi River towards the Trishuli River. Nepalese officials suggest that this flooding may be due to excess water escaping rather than the breach of a landslide-formed lake. Senior hydrology expert Vinod Parajuli from the Meteorological Department stated that the current flood’s speed is not as rapid as that experienced on Wednesday.
Chinese state media also reported that the lake did not break but rather overflowed as it filled with water. After ice was observed at the site of the Wednesday incident, the Nepal Police issued security alerts due to the potential for renewed flooding. Despite increased glacier-fed floodwaters in the Bhote Koshi River, authorities, including Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, confirmed that there has been no official report of the lake breaking on the Chinese side.
Nevertheless, the threat remains. “The water flow has increased but it is a normal flood. No major flooding has been observed, but we are monitoring the situation,” Mahat said. “Since this could affect ongoing rescue operations in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot areas, we have issued warnings to remain vigilant.” According to Parajuli, the danger is not yet over. “There is a possible accumulation of 2 million cubic meters of water there, which could rise to 3 million cubic meters when full. A recent notification about this has just come,” he added.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that, as of 2 p.m. local time, the amount of water in the dam formed by the river’s blockage in Tibet has decreased slightly and rescue operations are proceeding normally. Chinese rescuers are working to reduce flood risks along the Nepal-Tibet border. Over 500 people remain missing in that Tibetan region.
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