Real Madrid kicked off the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League with a 2–1 victory over Inter Milan at Santiago Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute, giving Real the lead. This marked Mbappé’s 71st goal in the Champions League, placing him joint fifth in the competition’s all-time scoring list alongside former top scorer Raúl. Federico Valverde extended the lead with a goal in the 23rd minute. Inter Milan’s Carlos Augusto scored a consolation in the 77th minute.
Meanwhile, Manchester City defeated Portuguese side Porto 2–0. Erling Haaland scored twice for the Citizens, netting in the first minute of the second half and again during injury time.
In other matches, Aston Villa edged Club Brugge 3–2, while German club Borussia Dortmund defeated Villarreal by the same scoreline. Real Betis overcame Lille 3–2 despite playing with ten men.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that in response to two missile attacks on American warships by Tehran over the past two days, US forces launched strikes on five Iranian oil tankers. According to CENTCOM, four Iranian oil tankers associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) located in the Gulf of Oman and another tanker near the main oil terminal on Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf were targeted.
Following Tehran’s missile strikes on the US military base in Jordan, the Jordanian government reported that its air defense systems successfully intercepted 18 of the 20 missiles launched by Iran. Since the initial attacks on Iran on February 28, there has been a marked increase in similar offensives between the US and Israel over the past week. Oil prices rose in early Asian trading: Brent crude benchmark gained 1.5 percent to reach $99.41 per barrel, while US oil futures increased by 1.6 percent to $95.55 per barrel.
A spokesperson for Jordan’s armed forces indicated that during Iran’s missile offensives toward Jordan, two missiles landed in sparsely populated areas. Iran has also issued a warning of further retaliatory attacks, urging tanker crews associated with the United States near the ports of Kuwait and Bahrain to immediately leave, citing threats to their vessels.
Tensions escalated following ballistic missile attacks by Iran targeting US warships in the recent phase. No American military personnel were reported injured in these strikes. The US response targeted the five oil tankers described as part of a “multi-billion dollar shadow network” that financially supports the IRGC and its regional affiliates.
The mother of a Gen Z martyr says, ‘My son always appears in my dreams.’ The families of the martyrs have expressed grievances that the recommendations of the investigation commission and the Human Rights Commission regarding the Gen Z movement have not been implemented. The new generation’s uprising demanding an end to corruption, misgovernance, and nepotism resulted in some losing their lives and many others injured on 23rd and 24th Bhadra last year.
However, the families of the martyrs say the dreams they have seen remain unfulfilled and the true honor of the martyrs has not been bestowed. Watch this video story featuring conversations with various family members of the martyrs.
More than two weeks after the Rasuwa flood, officials have stated that obtaining the exact number of human casualties is “immediately impossible” and that “the process of identification and confirmation could take years.” Abi Narayan Kafle, the central spokesperson for Nepal Police, said, “We still do not have accurate data on the missing individuals. Some bodies may never be recovered.” According to police figures, nearly 1,400 bodies have been found, but only around 500 have partial remains. Among these, families have been able to claim approximately 100 bodies.
There is a discrepancy of about 1,300 between two government agencies, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and the police, regarding the number of missing persons. As of Tuesday evening, the authority reported approximately 5,300 individuals as uncontactable, whereas the police confirmed around 4,100 as missing. Shanti Mahat, a spokesperson for the authority, stated, “The actual number of uncontactable persons might not be this high. Some could be deceased or rescued.” She added, “According to the law, unidentified bodies cannot be removed from the list of uncontactable persons.”
Police officials have described the challenge of body recovery as an “unprecedented problem.” According to central spokesperson Kafle, the police are preparing to launch a major search operation targeting collapsed houses, shelters, and similar structures along both banks of rivers from the border with China to India. “We are conducting extensive searches using drones, trained dogs, binoculars, and a large workforce,” Kafle explained. Recovery efforts near Trivenidham, more than 200 kilometers downstream from Rasuwagadhi checkpoint, have been ongoing for two weeks.
Madan Thapa, police spokesperson for Nawalparasi West near the Indian border, noted, “Even the intact bodies we found could not be identified based on facial features. The fragmented remains recovered pose an even greater challenge.” Although more than 200 bodies were collected, Thapa’s team succeeded in handing over only nine to families. “Those identifications were possible only through tattoos,” he said. “There is also a possibility that many remains may belong to the same person.”
Two weeks after the floods in Rasuwa, officials have told reporters that determining the true scale of human loss will not be “immediately possible,” and that the process of identification and confirmation could continue for years.
Central spokesperson for Nepal Police, Abi Narayan Kafle, said, “We do not yet have accurate data on missing persons. Some bodies may never be found.”
According to Nepal Police records, of nearly 1,400 recovered bodies, approximately 500 consist only of partial remains. Among these, only about 100 have been identified and handed over to families.
There is a discrepancy of nearly 1,300 between the numbers of missing persons reported by two government agencies: the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and Nepal Police.
As of Tuesday evening, the Authority has reported approximately 5,300 people as uncontactable, while the Police report around 4,100 missing.
Authority spokesperson Shanti Mahat noted, “The actual number of uncontactable persons may differ. They could be deceased or rescued.”
She added, “Legally, unidentified bodies cannot be removed from the uncontactable list.”
‘An Unprecedented Challenge’
Photo Credit: Reuters
Police officers have reported facing an “unprecedented challenge” in body recovery operations.
According to Central Spokesperson Kafle, the police are launching a large-scale search operation along both banks of rivers stretching from the China border to India, seeking buried houses, sheds, and other structures.
“We are utilizing drones, trained dogs, binoculars, and deploying a large workforce to conduct thorough searches,” Kafle stated.
More than 200 kilometers downstream from the first disaster area at Rasuwagadhi border checkpoint, near Trivenidham, body recovery operations continue two weeks after the disaster.
Madan Thapa, police spokesperson for western Nawalparasi bordering India, noted, “Even corpses found intact were often unidentifiable based on facial features. The remains found as salvage have only complicated identification.”
Although more than 200 bodies have been collected, Thapa’s team has successfully handed over only nine identified bodies to families.
“That was possible only by identifying tattoos on the bodies,” Thapa explained. “There remains a possibility that multiple remains belong to one individual.”
Fading Hope
Photo Credit: Reuters
Families of those missing since the disaster on September 25th who have neither been found nor have their bodies recovered have created wooden effigies to perform last rites in memory of their departed loved ones.
Forensic expert Dr. Harihar Basti explains that DNA matching on recovered bodies and remains will take the government several months to confirm deaths.
“Given the large number of bodies requiring DNA matching, it is likely to be a lengthy process spanning months,” says Basti, who has tested over 15,000 bodies in his career.
“In the initial days, bodies were documented using tattoos, marks, and items found with them. Within the first four to five days, fingerprints could also be taken.”
He notes that other countries have established these identification techniques in major disasters, but Nepal has missed this opportunity.
Police spokesperson Kafle considers this a significant and ongoing responsibility that may continue for years.
“Large areas were buried under debris. After the monsoon ends or when rains fall, bodies may gradually emerge from the debris. This connects to the long-term pain of thousands of families. The Police will recover and confirm bodies respectfully.”
While Nepal has indicated through diplomatic channels that some bodies may have reached India, only 19 have been officially repatriated so far. Officials estimate the actual number could be much higher.
Relying Exclusively on DNA Testing Now
Photo Credit: EPA
Currently, DNA testing is primarily being conducted at the Nepal Police Forensic Laboratory and the National Forensic Science Laboratory in Khumaltar.
According to Police spokesperson Kafle, “Previously, these tests were mostly conducted in criminal investigations or for related purposes. Now, there is a backlog of such samples to process.”
Government data shows these laboratories conduct fewer than 1,000 DNA matches and profiling tests annually.
Police have collected more than 2,600 samples from families of missing persons and recovered bodies.
Facilitated sample collection is available for families in 76 districts, according to police.
On the third day after the disaster, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said at a press conference that Nepal has “limited forensic facilities” and is “expecting foreign assistance” for identification purposes.
Officials say that equipment and forensic experts have arrived as assistance from India, China, South Korea, Singapore, and other countries.
Despite the large number of casualties, officials maintain that confirming accurate data is vital.
Authority spokesperson Shanti Mahat explained that under current law, only those missing for 12 years can be declared dead, but due to this unprecedented disaster, discussions are underway to make decisions within months.
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The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority recently released preliminary data indicating that the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods caused approximately NPR 38.6 billion in damages. However, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has stated that reconstruction in a more resilient manner could cost over NPR 90 billion.
He emphasized that rather than simple restoration, strengthening flood resilience and reconstructing in a robust way could escalate costs to around “6 billion dollars.”
Minister Wagle noted that resilient reconstruction would significantly increase costs compared to ordinary rebuilding efforts.
Preparing for the Donor Conference
Image source, AFP
Caption, An international conference was held for Nepal’s reconstruction after the 2015 earthquake
The government is conducting a rapid damage assessment initially, followed by a comprehensive post-disaster damage evaluation.
“We are currently engaged in rapid damage assessments. Within the next one to one and a half months, we plan to conduct a detailed Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA),” said Dr. Gunakar Bhatt, Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission.
For the PDNA, on-site inspections will utilize information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and other resources, he added.
“This disaster differs in nature from the 2015 earthquake. We are preparing a distinct plan accordingly,” Bhatt explained.
Despite estimates of damages in the billions of rupees, the actual figures and required resources will be clearer only after the PDNA. Following that, the government is seriously considering a donor conference, said Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal.
“The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are in coordination on this matter. After the PDNA, we will engage with friendly countries,” Khanal stated.
Following the 2015 earthquake, a PDNA and donor conference were held in Kathmandu, through which the government received $450 million in aid against damages totaling $700 million.
India pledged the largest assistance at $100 million, while China, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Japan, and the United States also committed substantial support.
In this recent flood, damage to the hydropower sector alone is estimated to be over NPR 10 billion. Approximately 74,500 homes have been damaged. In addition, 40 kilometers of road and more than 30 bridges have been washed away.
Current Aid Contributions
Image source, MEAIndia
Image caption, India has been sending relief materials in multiple consignments since the day of the disaster
Following the Bhotekoshi floods, many countries and multilateral donors have provided assistance. Over NPR 1 billion has been collected in the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.
Additional support is expected after the initial relief and rescue phase for reconstruction.
“Since the day the flood struck, friendly countries have been providing various forms of support. They have stood firmly with us in our time of distress,” Prime Minister Balendra Shah wrote in a Facebook post.
India has dispatched relief items and rescue teams in several phases. China has also supplied relief materials and immediately provided NPR 30 million assistance.
Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the United States have also extended support. Australia has committed to giving $1 million USD in cash assistance and sent expert teams and drone operators.
According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the United Arab Emirates has already provided 83 tons of essential relief supplies and pledged $10 million USD in aid. Qatar has supplied 40 tons of relief materials.
The United Kingdom announced a donation of £500,000. The European Union has provided €2 million and is preparing to send an additional €500,000.
“Switzerland has pledged $1 million, Denmark 3.5 million Danish kroner, Germany $2 million, Ireland €500,000, the Czech Republic 2.5 million Czech koruna, and Norway 12.7 million Norwegian kroner,” the Secretariat stated.
Many other countries have also offered relief materials and financial contributions.
US technology company NVIDIA has donated $10 million.
The World Bank is planning to provide a concessional loan of $16.7 million. The Asian Development Bank has committed $500,000 in grants and additional technical support.
United Nations Appeal
Image source, Reuters
Caption, Flooding has caused widespread destruction in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts
On September 26 (Bhadra 10), the United Nations and humanitarian partners launched an emergency appeal for more than $5 million (NPR 750 million) to deliver immediate life-saving assistance to over 84,000 people affected by the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli floods.
“The four-month plan, developed under the leadership of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, addresses the government’s identified immediate priorities. It aims chiefly to reduce further hardship and prevent communicable diseases in high mountain settlements ahead of winter,” the UN statement said.
“The destructive floods and landslides in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers have caused families to lose members, homes, and livelihoods in a very short time,” said Lila Peters Yahia, UN Resident Coordinator for Nepal.
“The main priority of this appeal, led by the government, is to deliver shelter, medical care, clean water, and cash support to extremely remote areas before winter begins.”
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After the Bhote Koshi flood, 919 employees of 11 hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts remain missing. A joint team comprising the Nepalese Army, Armed Police Force, and project representatives is conducting search and rescue operations at the Rasuwagadhi, Chilime, Langtang, and Trishuli projects. The Nepalese Army reported that a body was found inside the cable tunnel at the Rasuwagadhi Bhote Koshi Hydropower Project using drone surveillance.
The flood in the Bhote Koshi River has caused employees at various hydropower projects to become unreachable, prompting ongoing search and rescue efforts. On Tuesday, the Nepalese Army deployed joint teams to Rasuwa and Nuwakot projects to intensify search operations. At the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, teams from the army and project staff reached the powerhouse and control point to conduct the search.
The joint team confirmed that a body was detected via drone inside the cable tunnel located in Rong at the Rasuwagadhi Bhote Koshi Hydropower Project. Search and rescue operations continue at the Langtang Hydropower Project. At the Chilime Hydropower Project, teams are conducting tunnel searches. A team including foreign technicians has constructed a navigable path using four large pipes, each approximately 6 meters long.
At the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project, a team with foreign technicians has entered approximately 400 meters into the main access tunnel to carry out search efforts. At the Trishuli-3 ‘A’ Hydropower Project, a joint team consisting of 34 Nepalese Army personnel, 4 Armed Police Force members, and project representatives is conducting searches in the powerhouse and tunnels. Meanwhile, at the Upper Trishuli-3 ‘B’ project, the Nepalese Army and project representatives have been using three excavators to dig to a depth of about 23 feet around the office and residential areas; however, no missing individuals have been found to date.
At Devi Ghat, located on the Galchi-Bidur road section, the installation of a Bailey bridge over the Tadi River is expected to be completed within approximately two days, according to the Roads Department spokesperson.
After the 55-meter-long bridge east of the site was washed away, the Nepali Army is currently using its available Bailey bridges to reopen the road.
Due to only a 50-meter length of Bailey bridge being available with the Roads Department, the installation is being carried out accordingly, although the Army also possesses 76-meter-long Bailey bridges.
Officials have stated that the top priority is to quickly reconnect Rasuwa to the national highway and reopen the washed-away section of the Prithvi Highway.
According to the government, the floods in Rasuwa have damaged 41 motorable bridges, 45 suspension bridges, and approximately 40 kilometers of roads.
The Challenge of Reconnecting Rasuwa
Photo source, Reuters
Caption, Betravati market is the most severely affected area by the floods
The main road network in Rasuwa was severed following the September 25 floods.
“Our priority is to reopen the road to Betravati as soon as possible and reconnect Dhunche, Rasuwa to the national highway,” said Engineer Subhraj Nyaupane, spokesperson for the Roads Department.
“About 500 spots along the eastern road at Betravati were washed away by rivers, so reconstructing these areas is our immediate task. Additionally, removing 3-4 meters of stone and mud deposits in Betravati market poses another challenge.”
Before installing strong bridges, the government must also overcome the challenge of road reconstruction.
Officials have noted that Bailey bridges are typically installed within two to three weeks.
“If the road track can be reopened, there are occasional options like placing pipes across rivers to allow vehicles to pass,” Nyaupane added.
Landslide Risk Persists at Krishnabhir
After the road collapse caused by flooding, preparations are underway to cut the wall connecting Dhading’s Krishnabhir to the Prithvi Highway to open a one-way traffic track. However, technical experts are still evaluating the landslide risks, officials said.
Photo source, Ishwor Joshi/BBC
According to Roads Department spokesperson Nyaupane, technical evaluations will determine how much wall to cut, and where to apply soil nailing (a method to stabilize walls by inserting steel rods) or micropiling (installing deep foundation piles).
“We plan to open the track within a few days, but if risk of landslides persists, experts will assess it before any decision is taken,” he said.
“Decisions will be made on how wide the track should be and when to reopen vehicle operations.”
Roads Department Director General Vijay Jaisi, who visited Krishnabhir with a technical team on Sunday, stated that work has started on opening a track in the old ‘complex landslide’ area and assessments of the latest conditions are ongoing.
“There are small cracks visible at the upper landslide area. We are trying to stop this immediately and plan to open the track as soon as possible, but the timeline is not clear at this moment,” Jaisi said.
According to the Roads Department, although cuts have occurred at Parewa Bhir section on the Prithvi Highway from the bottom, opening the road from there does not pose the same risks as at Krishnabhir.
Phurkekhola Awaits 100-Meter Bailey Bridge
Photo source, EPA
Caption, The Roads Department has only 50-meter Bailey bridges; Phurkekhola needs at least 80-meter bridges
At Phurkekhola, which connects to Dhadingbesi, a Bailey bridge from China is awaited.
Currently, the available Bailey bridges are insufficient, so officials from the Roads Department are seeking either at least an 80-meter-long Bailey bridge or considering steel bridge installation options.
Nepal’s Consul General in Lhasa, Laxmi Prasad Niraula, confirmed on Friday that among the aid supplies sent from China to Nepal are two 100-meter-long Bailey bridges, which are expected to arrive via the Korla border point.
“The dispatch of 100-meter-long double-lane Bailey bridges addresses the immediate needs considering Nepal currently only has shorter Bailey bridges,” Niraula explained.
“We initially requested 30 Bailey bridges of various lengths, and the Chinese government has pledged to continue supporting this demand.”
Officials have also stated that studies are underway to install and operate Bailey bridges on partially damaged bridges.
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Following the floods triggered by the Bhotekoshi River on September 25, DishHome and Eutelsat OneWeb have launched free satellite internet services across various affected areas in Rasuwa district. This initiative, authorized and coordinated by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, began on October 6, prioritizing government offices, security agencies, relief camps, and coordination centers. The companies have committed to expanding the satellite internet coverage to additional high-priority locations as needed until the terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure is fully restored.
Kathmandu, October 8 – In response to the severe flood damage sustained in Rasuwa district on September 25, Dish Media Network Limited (DishHome) and Eutelsat OneWeb have initiated free satellite internet services to maintain communication and information flow in the affected regions. The flood severely damaged local telecommunications and internet infrastructure, prompting DishHome to take proactive steps to ensure continued connectivity.
With approval and coordination from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), DishHome has partnered with Eutelsat to deploy the OneWeb satellite internet service in the most severely impacted areas. This service rollout commenced on October 6 and is being provided based on assessed priorities. Recognizing that reliable communication is critical for rescue, relief, and coordination during natural disasters, free satellite internet has been made available to government bodies, security forces, relief camps, and essential coordination centers in these regions.
Utilizing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, Eutelsat OneWeb’s service serves as an alternative communication channel to the damaged local telecommunications and internet infrastructure. This solution supports uninterrupted information exchange, coordination, and data transfer among government agencies, security personnel, local administration, rescue teams, and humanitarian relief actors, according to the companies involved.
DishHome emphasized that providing a dependable alternative communication medium during the disruption of conventional telecommunications and internet services due to natural disasters remains a top priority. The company reiterated its commitment to ensuring necessary communication facilities for affected communities, government agencies, security forces, and rescue workers. Ongoing assessments of connectivity needs and priorities are conducted in collaboration with the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, government entities, security forces, and local stakeholders in the affected areas.
DishHome has announced plans to continue expanding satellite internet services to high-priority locations as required until the terrestrial telecommunication and internet infrastructure is fully repaired and reinstated. DishHome and Eutelsat OneWeb have pledged to leverage technology effectively during emergencies to support communication, rescue, and relief efforts and to strengthen the disaster resilience capacity of affected communities.
Following the ‘artificial shortage’ of gas and arbitrary price increases, some consumer rights groups have accused the government of inaction. After a landslide occurred in Krishnabhir on the Prithvi Highway, increased transportation costs via alternative routes led businesses to raise the price of cooking gas in Kathmandu. “It is ironic that the government’s responsibility to regulate prices is being taken over by businesses,” said Vishnu Timilsina, General Secretary of Consumer Forum Nepal. “Currently, obtaining gas is very difficult and only possible by paying higher prices.” Similarly, Bimala Khanal, Chairperson of Consumer Eye Nepal, criticized the government, saying it is “encouraging the black market.” “Despite the gas shortage persisting for months, no solution has been found. Now, the natural disaster is being used as an excuse.”
Recently, the LP Gas Industries Association instructed all LPG distributors in the valley to sell gas cylinders at the Nepal Oil Corporation’s fixed price of NPR 2,060 per cylinder, plus an additional NPR 105.38 for alternative transport costs. This amounts to a maximum of NPR 2,165.38 per cylinder. How is gas entering Kathmandu amid these circumstances? The supply chain for LPG cooking gas, already affected by the conflict in the Middle East, has worsened due to the landslide at Krishnabhir. After approx. 100 meters of road collapsed on Bhadra 14 (August 30), this road segment was severely impacted. According to Nagendra Sah, Chief of Nepal Oil Corporation, about 30,000 cylinders enter Kathmandu daily on average. “Normally, 35,000 to 40,000 cylinders are needed daily,” he stated. “We should be satisfied that even fewer cylinders are arriving given the roadblock.”
Information from Nepal Oil Corporation shows that 16 industries delivered 87,877 cylinders to Kathmandu on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. About 19 LPG filling plants operate in Kathmandu, but due to the roadblock in Krishnabhir, large gas trucks are unable to reach Kathmandu directly. “Businesses are filling gas cylinders in places like Hetauda, Birgunj, Nawalparasi, and Dhanusha,” said Sah. “We are making efforts to ease logistics during this crisis.”
Usually, the Nepal Oil Corporation sets the prices for diesel, petrol, and gas. However, with businesses now adding extra transport costs and setting gas prices independently, some consumers perceive this as irregular. “The government has shown no role or vigilance as businesses hike prices,” noted Timilsina from Consumer Forum. Meanwhile, Gyaneshwar Aryal, Chairman of the Gas Sellers Federation, argued that the added transport costs should be viewed as assistance under special circumstances. “Large hotels have been willing to pay extra transportation charges just to keep their businesses operational,” he explained.
Nepal Oil Corporation’s Sah confirmed that under current conditions, businesses are permitted to add extra transportation charges. “Business operators must sell gas at the fixed price within a 50-kilometer radius from the plant, and price hikes are not allowed there. However, in areas like Dashbariya, which are further away, they can add transport costs. This is an old rule, not a new one. During such difficult times, we urge restraint,” he emphasized. Aryal stated that the additional transport costs have not covered actual expenses. “The NPR 105 charge alone is not the issue. I am currently in Hetauda; to transport gas cylinders by Tata Mobile to Kathmandu costs NPR 35,000. If 80 cylinders are carried, it translates to about NPR 400 per cylinder.” “Though prices should not have increased, compromises are necessary in adverse conditions,” he added. Khanal from Consumer Eye Nepal insisted that the government should assume responsibility for transportation. “The government should provide subsidies or transport via government or military vehicles. Former Prime Minister Marichman Shrestha arranged for cooking oil supply by ship,” she said.
Sah from Nepal Oil Corporation argued that all stakeholders must collaborate to resolve the current problem. “Nature damaged the road. Complaining alone won’t solve anything.” “The Krishnabhir road will reopen soon. Once it does, the situation will normalize and gas will be sold at NPR 2,600 in Kathmandu,” Sah said. However, Timilsina from Consumer Forum pointed out that while gas is available in the market, it is primarily through the black market. “Consumers who should get gas at NPR 2,600 are paying NPR 2,780.” They urged the government to immediately intervene and control the situation. “Otherwise, traders will maintain this condition for a long time.” Aryal of the Gas Sellers Federation said any misconduct found should be penalized. “I can’t say there is no malpractice. It might exist in some places.”
Market monitoring in Nepal is generally conducted by the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection. According to Director Anil Kirati, monitoring has intensified, but few black market activities have been detected. “Usually, three teams are deployed; now we have ten teams active. Recently, in Bhaktapur, we fined a businessman NPR 300,000 for malpractice related to gas. Several minor actions have also been taken.” He explained that lack of solid evidence that prices exceed fixed rates makes enforcement difficult. “Because complaints keep coming, we are discussing how to enhance enforcement,” Kirati said.
Prime Minister Walendra Shah Balen addressed the situation following the devastating floods with a post on social media on Saturday, stating, “During this extremely sensitive time, those making unnecessary comments, harassing, and adding to the pain of suffering people are criminals. The government will take stringent measures against these offenders.” This message was directed toward the families of individuals missing after the massive flood caused by a glacier collapse on September 26, which affected the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers.
As the government continues search, rescue, and relief operations, families have expressed frustrations that have sometimes faced negative commentary on social media. Numerous videos and comments circulating online have contained inappropriate and offensive remarks targeting flood victims. In response, the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau has confirmed it is actively investigating these incidents.
A few days ago, a woman affected by the flood expressed to the government that if experts and equipment had been deployed sooner, her missing family member might have been found alive. However, she later called back to request her complaint not be shared publicly, saying, “Please do not show the complaint I made to the government. There are many harsh comments on social media. We are experiencing additional pain on top of our suffering.”
One viral video on social media features a woman voicing her frustration over the government’s lack of urgency in searching for her missing husband and family members. She said, “The child is going to give ashes [possibly indicating a funeral ritual]. I have pleaded with many to send help, but where am I supposed to go? What do we have in this country? Is this a government? We brought our minor child and said ‘please help,’ but no one listened.”
Prime Minister Balen has emphasized that the government will take strict actions against those who inflict further pain on the victims. Those who exploit social media to defame others or post abusive comments may face prosecution under Section 47 of the Electronic Transactions Act 2063 (2006). Cyber Bureau spokesperson Dilip Kumar Giri shared that a team of ten personnel is investigating the matter thoroughly. “Even without formal complaints, we are proactively conducting investigations,” he stated.
During the Janajati protests, 12 of Bhat-Bhateni’s stores were completely destroyed by fire, causing losses of nearly 1.1 billion Nepali Rupees, according to the company.
Bhat-Bhateni states that reconstruction costs increased by 20 to 30 percent, bringing the total to approximately 1.4 billion Rupees.
COO Panu Paudel reports that out of 27 Bhat-Bhateni stores, 23 are operational, with the remaining two expected to reopen between mid-September and December.
September 8, Kathmandu – The journey of entrepreneur Min Bahadur Gurung clearly illustrates how much dedication, passion, investment, persistence, and patience are required to establish a successful business.
Nearly four decades ago, in 1984 (2041 BS), Gurung began his venture by renting a small shed in Naxal, Kathmandu, carrying a dream that eventually became a distinguished example in Nepal’s business sector.
His establishment, ‘Bhat-Bhateni Departmental Store,’ helped foster a vision in Nepal that investment, employment, and national capability can thrive domestically. This is evidenced by over two dozen Bhat-Bhateni stores across the country.
From a small rented shed to a nationwide chain of superstores offering thousands of jobs, Gurung’s hard work over forty years has been monumental.
He had planned to expand to all 77 districts by 2030, but last year on September 8, a devastating event occurred. That day marked the beginning of the Janajati protests, which severely disrupted Gurung’s dream that employed thousands of youth.
The protests turned violent with destruction of government and private properties, looting, and arson, with Bhat-Bhateni superstores becoming a primary target.
However, Gurung did not give up. Working tirelessly with thousands of colleagues and supported by millions of consumers, Bhat-Bhateni rose again after one year.
COO Panu Paudel stated, “Due to the love, trust, and support of tens of thousands of employees and millions of customers, we revived Bhat-Bhateni. We take pride in this achievement.”
Among the more than two dozen stores established with billions of Rupee investments, most were damaged by vandalism and fire, raising concerns whether recovery was feasible, Paudel recalled.
Nevertheless, the courage of Executive Chairman Gurung, along with the loyalty of employees’ families and consumers, became the cornerstone of reconstruction.
According to COO Paudel, Bhat-Bhateni sustained losses estimated at around 1.1 billion Rupees during the Janajati protests. Subsequent reconstruction required an additional 20 to 30 percent in expenditure, reaching a total of about 1.4 billion Rupees.
Executive Chairman of Bhat-Bhateni Superstore, Min Bahadur Gurung
“Third, the newly constructed buildings are of higher quality than before, with special expenses allocated for materials and aesthetics,” Paudel noted.
He added that out of 27 stores, 23 are currently operational. The Bhat-Bhateni store in Dharan reopened on September 9, while the Kathmandu Tangal store is scheduled to open on September 21. Subsequently, all 25 stores will be functional. The stores in Damak and Hetauda will resume operation after the Dashain festival.
“Despite the damage, no employees were laid off. All previous staff have been reinstated, with no salary cuts and bonuses given. Our employees are like family, and supporting them through hardships is the chairman’s priority,” COO Paudel emphasized.
He prefers not to dwell on last year’s events. “We chose to move forward and forget the incident. Holding onto past stress would have made rebuilding difficult. We are now successfully standing tall again,” he said.
Current Operations and Upcoming Store Openings
Twenty-three Bhat-Bhateni stores are expected to be operational by mid-September. The remaining two stores are anticipated to open by December. Additionally, construction of four new stores is nearing completion.
Stores in Chitwan Tandi and Pokhara Lekhnath are set to open within this fiscal year. Meanwhile, stores in Lalitpur Satdobato and Bhaisipati are slated to begin operations next fiscal year.
Impact of the Janajati Protests on Bhat-Bhateni
Among over two and a half dozen stores nationwide, 12 key outlets were completely devastated by fire.
In Kathmandu, the Naxal store (headquarters), Maharajgunj, Bauddha, Koteshwor, and the warehouse in Baluwatar suffered violent attacks including vandalism, looting, and arson, resulting in their complete destruction.
Superstores in Pokhara, Chitwan, Hetauda, Birtamod, Damak, Biratnagar, and Dharan were also entirely destroyed.
Stores in the Kathmandu valley areas of Kalanki, Balaju, Thimi, as well as outlets outside the valley in Janakpur, Butwal, Birgunj, Dhangadhi, Itahari, and Bhairahawa faced looting and vandalism though were not burned.
Fortunately, stores in Tokha, Satdobato, Anamnagar, Sanagaun, Tripureshwor, and Patan within Kathmandu valley, as well as Nepalgunj outside the valley, remained unscathed.
COO Paudel mentioned that the exact cash loss from registers in stores affected by looting and arson is not fully known, but protesters seized cash in addition to goods, causing significant financial damage.
Bhat-Bhateni’s stores collectively generate business worth approximately 1.068 billion Rupees daily, totaling almost 3.9 billion annually.
Before the protests started, all Bhat-Bhateni outlets across the country were operating smoothly. The unrest began after the first day of the protests, which saw police firing that resulted in 19 deaths, triggering widespread looting and vandalism. Despite curfews announced by the government, disturbances continued into the second day.
Each Bhat-Bhateni store employs at least 500 people, with a high proportion of women employees. Including warehouse and store workers, total direct employment exceeds 20,000 individuals.
A cargo plane operated by Amazon Air crashed on the runway at Miami International Airport. The accident resulted in the deaths of at least five people, with an additional five injured. The incident occurred around 2 PM local time on Sunday as the plane was landing and had crossed the runway threshold. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash.
The Boeing 767-300 aircraft struck several vehicles located off the runway before catching fire. Following initial reports, around 200 firefighters promptly arrived at the scene. Officials stated that three of the injured sustained serious injuries. Most of those injured were inside the vehicles hit by the aircraft.
Amazon released a statement saying it is working closely with local authorities at the crash site and is trying to determine the cause of the accident. The company expressed deep shock over the fatalities resulting from the incident. All flights from the airport were suspended immediately after the crash.
Due to the Labor Day holiday in the United States, airports are typically very busy with many travelers. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation and has indicated that the official cause will be determined only after thorough examination. Firefighters have extinguished the fire; however, there are reports of fuel leakage from the aircraft. Flight monitoring website Flightradar24 showed that the plane was traveling at a speed of 207 kilometers per hour when it went off the runway. Their blog post also mentioned that the weather in Miami during the crash included light thunderstorms and strong winds.
September 8, Kathmandu – A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Lomanthang in Mustang district. According to Lokvijay Adhikari, Chief of the Earthquake Measurement Center, the tremor was felt at 9:53 PM on Tuesday night.
According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center, the earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 35 kilometers underground. The tremors were felt across regions ranging from Tibet to Mustang, Baglung, the Dhaulagiri range, and various parts of Nepal.
So far, no reports of damage or casualties have been released. Recently, the Himalayan areas have faced increased risks of disasters such as landslides, glacial lake outburst floods, and flooding in conjunction with earthquakes.
On the 13th day following the floods in the Bhote Koshi and lower Trishuli rivers, approximately 5,000 people remain missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority as of Monday.
Security agencies report ongoing search efforts stretching from Rasuwagadhi on the border with China to Nawalparasi West bordering India.
The river known as Bhote Koshi in Rasuwa becomes the Trishuli upon reaching Nuwakot, and downstream in the lower Chitwan region near Devghat, it is called the Narayani before entering India, where it is known as the Gandak River.
As of Monday morning, the bodies or remains of at least 1,355 individuals had been recovered, the government body coordinating search, rescue, and relief efforts confirmed. Recoveries continue.
The Nepal Army is focused on searching and rescuing inside tunnels and underground powerhouses of various hydropower projects and via aerial routes. The Armed Police Force is conducting ground searches along riverbanks from Timure in Rasuwa to the Gandak canal in Nawalparasi West (Bardaghat Susta West).
Efforts to Deploy People and Equipment Inside Tunnels
Image source, RSS
Military spokesperson Rajaram Basnet informed that on Monday, the 13th day of search operations, they will attempt to reach the powerhouse of the Chilime hydropower project.
According to him, the tunnel leading inside the underground powerhouse has only been accessible for about 100 meters so far.
“Beyond 100 meters the tunnel is completely blocked. Mini excavators are working to clear the path. Because the forward section was completely swept away by the flood, helicopters cannot land or deliver supplies there. We are currently trying to create a path by blasting to bring more excavators,” said spokesperson Basnet.
Image source, Nepali Army
The Nepali Army reported that although rescue teams reached the underground powerhouse of the Rasuwagadhi hydropower project near the Chinese border, no bodies were found.
“The sixth floor of Rasuwagadhi has been completely searched—it was discovered to be an operational control room. Nothing was found there. On the fifth floor, the space was entirely filled with mud and debris,” explained Basnet.
At Langtang, when the penstock pipe was cut to reach inside, only two bodies were found, after which search and rescue resources were redirected to other locations, officials stated.
The army is attempting to access areas of Upper Trishuli 1 where multiple tunnels exist and searches had not yet reached. Previously, a joint Nepali and Korean expert team rescued a Chinese worker alive from the upper part of a dam under construction on the 11th day of flooding, in an area where two bodies were also recovered.
Further downstream, the army and armed police formed a joint team conducting search and rescue operations at Upper Trishuli 3A and 3B hydropower projects. Two employees were rescued alive on the 10th day of flooding in the underground powerhouse area of Trishuli 3A.
Assistant Captain Suvasjang Thapa of the Nepali Army stated that infrared drones are being used to assist searching in inaccessible areas.
During a press conference held by the Disaster Management Authority on Monday, he conveyed that hope remains that survivors may yet be found in tunnel structures.
“Our hope is not lost yet. We continue to hold onto the expectation that we might find survivors in the future,” he said.
Image source, RSS
Image caption, The Nepali flag was raised in Rasuwagadhi a few days ago
‘Did You Hear Our Voice?’
Image source, RSS
Armed Police Force spokesperson Netra Bahadur Karki stated that 4,000 personnel from his organization have been deployed from Timure to Nawalparasi West.
The Armed Police are conducting searches inside flood-buried and collapsed homes and structures.
Officers shared a video on social media showing them using loudspeakers to call out from damaged homes, saying, ‘We are the rescuers; if you can hear our voice, please respond.’
“Our teams are focused on rubble and debris with the belief that life may still be found inside the buried and collapsed structures,” said spokesperson Karki.
On the 11th day after the previous flood, the Armed Police team had rescued a woman alive from a house buried in Betrawati, Nuwakot.
The Armed Police search and rescue teams are accompanied by body recovery units.
In Nawalparasi West, 206 bodies have been recovered so far. Chief District Officer Deepak Raj Nepal confirmed that bodies swept into India have also been requested for search assistance from Indian authorities.
“We have requested their help to conduct searches and send back any bodies that are found. They are also cooperating in the efforts,” he added.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Madan Thapa, 19 bodies found on the Indian side have so far been handed over to Nepal.
Current Status of Roads, Electricity, and Communications
Image source, RSS
After the flood, many areas of Rasuwa were cut off from roads, electricity, and communication networks. As of now, 84 percent of Rasuwa’s territory has electricity, according to Assistant Chief District Officer Dhruba Prasad Adhikari.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that electricity supply has been restored to over 96 percent of households in Nuwakot and more than 99 percent in Dhading.
Mobile networks have been reestablished throughout the district.
However, officials note that some wards in Gosainkunda Rural Municipality and Amachodingmo in Rasuwa still lack electricity.
Presently, it is reported that the 12 Turn area, located a bit ahead of the Rasuwa headquarters Dhunche, is connected to the capital.
According to Army spokesperson Basnet, the bell bridge under construction in Nuwakot is expected to shorten and facilitate the route for delivering relief materials, rescue teams, equipment, and other infrastructure to Rasuwa.
“We aim to set it up and make it operational within 3-4 days,” Basnet stated.
The army said the bridge, made of prefabricated iron materials placed over the river, will support loads up to 50 tons.
How Relief is Being Distributed
Image source, RSS
Image caption, Drones have been used to deliver relief in flood-affected areas
Currently, displaced flood victims are housed in 39 holding centers.
Among them, approximately 700 are in Rasuwa, over 2,500 in Nuwakot, and more than 200 in Dhading.
Authorities report that relief supplies are being delivered via helicopter to areas without road access and by land transport to accessible locations.
Assistant Chief District Officer Dhruba Prasad Adhikari of Rasuwa said relief distribution is being coordinated in cooperation with local governments.
“We are coordinating so that local governments take responsibility for relief distribution,” the official explained.
“In Rasuwa, ward chairpersons and deputy mayors themselves have been affected by the floods. In places lacking local representatives, the local residents are coordinating relief efforts.”
