On September 26, massive flooding caused by landslides, boulders, and debris surged through the Bhote Koshi and downstream Trishuli rivers, inflicting severe damage to both human lives and the economy. Over a dozen hydropower projects located within the Trishuli corridor, many developed or under construction in a cascading manner, have been affected with some completely destroyed. Hundreds of skilled technicians and workers operating in the region remain missing. Former Minister and ex-Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority, Kulman Ghising, who has been involved in hydropower development in this area from the beginning, described the floods as the greatest damage ever recorded in Nepal’s hydropower history. Ghising stated that rebuilding these projects will likely take several years.
During an on-site inspection on October 1, Ghising visited various hydropower facilities to assess the damage. “Facilities such as Rasuwa Gadhi, Chilime, Langtang Khola, and Trishuli 3 have seen both powerhouses and headworks completely destroyed. Projects with approximately 250 MW capacity have been fully wiped out. Additionally, transmission lines and substations of projects with around 230-235 MW capacity were destroyed, resulting in shutdowns,” he reported. “In total, about 450 MW worth of capacity is currently offline, with 250 MW completely lost and unlikely to operate for several years.”
Several under-construction projects have also sustained damage. “Around 500 MW of capacity in under-construction projects have been impacted. Operational projects totaling 430 MW are currently inactive, and 250 MW of those are fully destroyed. Altogether, approximately 900 MW of hydropower capacity in the Trishuli corridor has been affected,” Ghising explained. “Access routes have been washed away, turning the entire region into barren land. Damage extends from Timure and Rasuwa Gadhi through Betrawati, Vidur, and further downstream to Devighat.”
After floods washed away a bridge in Rasuwa’s Uttar Gaya Rural Municipality, the municipality has been divided into two parts, with helicopter assistance required to reach the western area. Chairperson Madhav Aryal of the Rural Municipality stated that ward number 1 and other locations have suffered extensive damage, and the data collection is still incomplete. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among the federal, provincial, local governments, and technical personnel for rescue, relief, temporary housing, and rehabilitation.
Uttar Gaya Rural Municipality is one of the hardest-hit areas by the Bhote Koshi flood. The exact extent of missing persons and overall damage remains uncertain. The flood’s destruction of a bridge has split the municipality into two parts. The western area along the Koshi River relies heavily on helicopters for transporting relief materials. The situation is also fragile when it comes to managing bodies found along the riverbank. Despite these challenges, rescue operations are gradually progressing.
To assess the post-flood situation, a team has been continuously present in the affected areas and conducted an interview with Chairperson Madhav Aryal. He acknowledged that Uttar Gaya is among the most severely affected. When asked about the rescue, missing, and death toll situation, he shared that, while focusing on internal management, he has not been able to visit all sites directly. However, some initial improvements have been observed in management. He stressed that disaster management cannot be handled without coordination with local bodies. Initially, there were issues with concentrating relief supplies at Vidur and obstructing materials from Shivapuri Barrack needed in the field. Important organizations’ relief goods were also halted. He added that those willing to help should not be stopped, and materials need to be managed effectively. Relief storage and distribution have now started with permission from the District Disaster Management Committee.
Regarding the human and material losses, Chairperson Aryal noted that the most damage occurred in Ward No. 1. This ward hosted workers and technicians from various countries at the 216-megawatt hydropower project. Significant destruction was also seen in Mailung and Salletar settlements. Families displaced by the earthquake and undergoing rehabilitation resided there; the flood exacerbated problems as preparations for safe housing were incomplete. This disaster is equivalent to a catastrophe for Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts; normal manpower alone cannot manage such a crisis. Approximately 300 families were residing in temporary housing, of which likely only about a hundred remain safe. Most are missing, and 300 homes have been completely destroyed. There is also major damage in Baileyitar, Kerenobisey, and Betrawati market areas. The people from these areas were somewhat affluent and capable of sheltering others. Currently, many have lost family members and some are forced to live along the roadside. We are facing an extremely difficult situation.
The devastating flood of the Bhote Koshi river, triggered by a landslide in the Nepal-China border region, has destroyed thousands of private homes across four districts in Nepal. Thousands of displaced individuals are currently housed in various holding centers in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Kathmandu, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
In the four most affected districts, the floodwaters of the Bhote Koshi surged with great force, carrying rocks and debris that swept away even solidly constructed homes within moments. More than 1,100 lives have been lost, with nearly 4,000 people still reported missing. Additionally, preliminary estimates from the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction indicate that over 7,500 private houses have been damaged. According to Deputy Director General Prakash Aryal, the distribution of damaged homes includes 1,779 in Rasuwa, 3,977 in Nuwakot, 1,551 in Dhading, and 263 in Gorkha.
“Moreover, 53 government buildings have also suffered damage, comprising 25 in Rasuwa, 8 in Nuwakot, 17 in Dhading, and 3 in Gorkha,” Aryal stated. The destruction has reportedly caused financial losses amounting to billions of Nepalese rupees, although precise figures are yet to be confirmed. When compared to the 2015 earthquake, which destroyed over 500,000 homes entirely and partially damaged approximately 250,000 more, this flood represents one of the largest disasters Nepal has faced.
However, former head of the National Reconstruction Authority, Sushil Gyawali, noted that the nature of damage to private residences in these two disasters varies significantly. “In the earthquake, while houses were demolished, the land remained intact, allowing people to reuse old materials to rebuild their homes. But in this case, both houses and land have been swept away,” he explained. “The main challenge now is to identify safe and suitable land for resettlement. Due to social, economic, and cultural ties, relocation should be as nearby as possible, but preserving the life cycle and safety is the foremost priority,” he added.
September 3, Doti – Jorayal Rural Municipality has decided to contribute NPR 3,328,641 to the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief and Rescue Fund. This assistance aims to support the rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts for victims affected by the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi region of Rasuwa.
The total amount will be collected from multiple sources within the municipality: NPR 255,555 from the local disaster management fund; NPR 207,952 deducted from 15 days’ service benefits of all elected representatives of the municipality; NPR 760,842 equivalent to 7 days’ salary from officer-level staff, 5 days’ salary from assistant-level staff, and 2 days’ salary from non-cadre employees; and NPR 2,104,293 from the salaries of teachers and school staff.
The aggregate sum of NPR 3,328,641 will be handed over to the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief and Rescue Fund, as confirmed by the Rural Municipality Chairman, Durga Datt Ojha.
On the eighth day following the devastating Bhote Koshi-Trishuli floods, Prime Minister Walendra Shah ‘Balen’ briefed the Parliament on the government’s efforts, while opposition leaders pointed out shortcomings in several areas. During Wednesday’s session of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister detailed the steps the government has taken so far in rescue and relief operations for flood victims. Opposition party leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response and highlighted that their recommendations have been overlooked.
The Prime Minister reported that at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, residents of flood-prone areas were urged to move to safe locations, followed by an SMS alert sent at 9:35 a.m. So far, more than 1,100 bodies have been recovered, with only 95 identified. He informed that DNA testing and other methods are being used, including underground facilities, to ensure secure identification. Since the incident, 11,993 people have been rescued, but 3,916 remain unaccounted for.
Bishmaraj Angdembe, the chief opposition leader from Nepali Congress, described the catastrophic flood on Bhadra 10 as “a tsunami-like disaster.” He emphasized that during such a calamity, everyone should unite in rescue, relief, and reconstruction efforts; however, he clarified that this does not mean unconditional support for the government in all matters.
Ram Bahadur Thapa, leader of the parliamentary party of CPN-UML, referred to the Bhadra 10 flood in Rasuwa as a “night of disaster.” He stressed that the Prime Minister needs to abandon unilateral decision-making and regularly inform the Parliament about government plans. Gyanendra Bahadur Shahi, parliamentary party leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, pointed out that despite repeated appeals for rescue equipment and its prompt deployment, effective operations have been lacking.
September 3, Kavrepalanchok – Mahesh Kharel, Mayor of Panchkhal Municipality, has announced a personal contribution of NPR 2 million to aid families affected by floods and landslides. Kharel stated that he has handed over the amount to the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund. “During the election, I promised to dedicate my entire salary for 10 years to public service,” he said. “In line with that commitment, I have provided NPR 2 million to support families impacted by the recent floods and landslides.”
The mayor also revealed plans to allocate his remaining salary to public welfare. He described this donation as a small effort to give back to the people and alleviate their suffering. Previously, Panchkhal Municipality had decided to provide NPR 1 million in assistance to victims of the Vote Kosi flood. According to the municipality, all local representatives have agreed to contribute an amount equivalent to one week’s salary to the relief fund. Furthermore, a decision was made to grant NPR 100,000 to each family of Panchkhal residents who lost their lives or went missing due to the floods.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has reported preliminary economic damages exceeding Rs. 3.87 trillion due to the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli floods. At a press conference held on Friday in Kathmandu, the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Dharma Raj Upreti, released initial damage statistics. “Preliminary sector-wise damage estimated amounts to approximately Rs. 3 trillion 87 billion 54 crore across buildings, roads, telecommunications, agriculture, and livestock,” he stated. According to Upreti, early recovery efforts will require around Rs. 7.95 billion. Officials added that a detailed post-disaster study will reveal the full extent of damage caused by the flood.
The devastating flood on Bhadra 10 (late August) along the Nepal-China border inflicted widespread destruction across road infrastructure, communications, hydropower, and other sectors, officials said. They estimate more than 7,500 private homes have been damaged. Experts have noted that districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading face long-term reconstruction challenges due to the extensive harm. Spokesperson Shanti Mahat of the Authority reported on Thursday evening that over 12,000 people have been rescued from the affected areas, while search operations continue for nearly 5,100 citizens, including about 600 foreigners.
More than 21,000 security personnel have been deployed for search, rescue, and treatment, Mahat said. CEO Dharma Raj Upreti confirmed ongoing rescue efforts for those trapped in various hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot. “We continue the search operations inside the tunnels, holding hope for further live rescues and working towards that goal,” he added. Current rescue is concentrated at hydropower sites where many individuals remain trapped. Despite nine days having passed, no survivors have been found among those missing inside the project tunnels and production centers. The Nepal Army has recovered three bodies from hydropower tunnels; on Thursday, organizers reported the retrieval of two additional bodies from the Langtang Khola hydropower tunnel.
Following the high death toll, the Government of Nepal has announced a national day of mourning to be observed next Monday, marking the 13th day since the flood on Bhadra 10. The government will honor all victims of the destructive flood by lowering flags to half-mast at all government offices and Nepali embassies on this solemn occasion, the Ministry of Education, represented by Sasmita Pokharel, conveyed.
At the Sports Awards organized by the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF), boxer Chandrabahadur Thapa was named the Best Male Athlete of the Year, while karateka Erika Gurung was selected as the Best Female Athlete of the Year. Erika has become the first athlete to win the Best Female Athlete award for three consecutive years. The event took place on September 4 in Kathmandu, where volleyball player Mina Sunar won the People’s Choice Award with 29.04% of the votes. Karate coach Kushal Shrestha was honored as the Best Coach.
Coach Kushal Shrestha played a crucial role in winning historic medals at the Asian Games. He has helped athletes such as Rehan Jabed, Manisha Kumari Bohora, Sabina Shrestha, and Pushpa Lama earn medals in international competitions. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to former national badminton player Kumar Mohan Bahadur Shahi. Sushma Tamang from the Blind Women’s Cricket Team was recognized as the Best Para Athlete.
Karate athlete Manisha Kumari Bohora received the Best Youth Athlete Award. She is a bronze medalist at the 23rd Cadet, Junior, and U-21 Karate Championship, the 9th South Asian Karate Championship, and a gold medalist at the 56th National Karate Championship. Dhruv Bikram Mall, the director of Balaju Karate Dojo, a karate coach, and referee, was presented with a Special Award.
Following a review of the news summary, the Nepal Police have intensified efforts to prevent possible abuse against women, children, and senior citizens at holding centers in flood-affected districts. Additional teams of female police officers have been dispatched from the central command to the districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. Expert medical teams from Nepal Police Hospital are providing health check-ups and psychological counseling at these holding centers. Kathmandu, 18 Bhadra – To prevent abuse and violence against women, children, and senior citizens in holding centers and other locations within flood-affected regions, the Nepal Police have adopted a more sensitive approach in their operations. Specifically, to avert any untoward incidents against these vulnerable groups, additional female police personnel have been deployed: 10 in Rasuwa, 29 in Nuwakot, and 7 in Dhading, mobilized centrally. According to the latest data, Rasuwa’s holding center accommodates 129 women, 20 boys, and 22 girls, totaling 171 individuals. Dhading’s center has 126 women, 24 boys, and 32 girls, totaling 182 individuals. In Nuwakot, the figures stand at 929 women, 195 boys, and 168 girls, amounting to 1,292 people. Similarly, Kathmandu’s holding center houses 199 women, 53 boys, and 49 girls, totaling 211 individuals. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) and central spokesperson of Nepal Police, Abhi Narayan Kafle, stated, “The police are working with increased sensitivity to control crimes against women, children, and senior citizens. Issues and complaints related to women and children at holding centers are being addressed, and necessary psychological counseling is also being provided.” Furthermore, specialist medical teams from Nepal Police Hospital deployed to flood-affected holding centers continue to offer health assessments alongside psychological counseling.
More than nine days after the floods, officials report that only four individuals trapped inside various hydropower tunnels and powerhouses have been rescued alive.
The Nepali Army has retrieved three bodies from tunnels in different projects. On Thursday, two additional bodies were recovered from the Langtang Khola hydropower tunnel, according to the project’s promoter.
Tunnel technology experts, those present at rescue sites, and officials were interviewed to understand the challenges faced.
“If Permission Had Been Granted Initially…”
Image source, Nepali Army
On the ninth day after the flood, the Nepali Army recovered two bodies from Langtang hydropower project’s tunnel in Rasuwa.
Previously, rescue workers attempting to enter the flooded tunnel at the project site could only penetrate about 100 meters inside.
Project Managing Director Vijay Mohan Bhattarai said, “Had the Nepali Army allowed technical teams to enter from the very beginning, many trapped inside the tunnel could have been rescued alive.”
“We had requested from day one to deploy a technical team immediately. Hydropower structures are unlike other buildings. If permission had been granted, lives could have been saved,” Bhattarai added.
Bhattarai claimed that upon granting access, the project immediately facilitated pathways and routes for evacuation and rescue.
“Our technical team entered through the bifurcation pipe, reached the top via the penstock pipe where we created holes to access the areas where people were trapped. Then the army entered to retrieve the bodies,” Bhattarai explained.
According to him, two bodies were recovered about 150 meters inside the tunnel.
A 150-meter tunnel was constructed from the tunnel entrance to the mouth of the penstock pipe carrying water to the powerhouse, where 15 workers remain out of contact.
Why Could No Entry Be Made into the Tunnel and Powerhouse?
Officials say that among the 12 hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, people are trapped inside tunnels or powerhouses of five projects.
In the Rasuwa-Gadhi, Langtang Khola, Chilime, Upper Trishuli 1, and Trishuli 3A projects, it is estimated that over 150 people are trapped in their tunnels.
Tunnel engineer and Member of Parliament Shriram Nyaupane explained that floods brought large boulders and debris which clogged the tunnel entrances, making access difficult.
Nyaupane, coordinating rescue efforts for Upper Trishuli 3A, noted it took considerable time just to find the tunnel entrances.
Different methods are being applied to other tunnel locations.
“Tunnels whose entrances face the direction the Trishuli River flows are filled with boulders, large stones, and gravel. Inside, there is water at the top and silt at the bottom,” Nyaupane said.
“Only trained rescue teams can navigate these tunnels. Extracting tunnels blocked by boulders requires specialized machines and technology.”
Due to road destruction beyond Nuwakot district headquarters, the Nepali Army has been unable to deliver necessary equipment, the army reported.
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Video Caption Begins, Those who escaped and survived the tunnel (Video: Kamal Pariyar/Ashok Dahal)
Nepali Army spokesperson Rajaram Basnet mentioned that many tunnel entrances lack helicopter landing sites.
“There is no available space near tunnel entrances to place helicopters or bring in heavy equipment, so obstacles cannot easily be removed,” Basnet explained.
He also reported that so far, four individuals have been rescued from inside tunnels, and 289 people have been saved from tunnel areas.
Tunnel engineer Chhatra Basnet added, “The tunnel entrances of high-altitude hydropower projects are sealed tightly, which means there aren’t even platforms to land helicopters. At Upper Trishuli 3A, stockpiling of supplies brought from above has begun.”
“Tunnel entrances face the river, through which floods, mud, stones, and debris entered, complicating rescue operations further,” he noted.
Image source, Nepali Army
An estimated 25 people remain trapped in the powerhouse of Upper Trishuli 3A. The main entry point lies 30 to 35 feet above the river’s surface, with another cable tunnel nine feet above it. Floodwaters have deposited large boulders and slabs, even covering the audit tunnel, said Nepal Electricity Authority’s Deputy Manager Suresh Raut.
Upper Trishuli 1 is the most affected location, with approximately 115 people trapped. Workers are trapped in a tunnel extending about four kilometers from the water intake to the earlier audit tunnel point. The tunnel is blocked with large boulders, gravel, and mud, along with various machinery and trucks stuck inside, according to project General Manager Giriraj Adhikari.
Where Did Rescue Efforts Fall Short?
Image source, Nepali Army
Families of those trapped inside tunnels criticized the government for the delayed arrival of international expert teams and technical equipment.
Small advanced equipment provided by the United States only arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday. The lack of equipment hindered a South Korean technical rescue team from advancing their work.
Tunnel engineer Basnet acknowledged, “We are using our own resources, but there is a clear shortage of the right equipment, manpower, and methodology.”
“If the appropriate manpower and equipment had been deployed at the right time, outcomes would have been better. Involving a team of designers, engineers, and managers is essential. However, without equipment, identification and rescue remain challenging.”
MP and former road project chief Nyaupane noted that despite experience building over 400 kilometers of tunnels, damage from the earthquake and floods has delayed rescue efforts.
“With similar equipment, only 80 to 100 meters of tunnel can be excavated in a day. Excavation is quick, but it’s extremely difficult to bring the equipment into these locations. We also lacked advanced machinery,” he said.
Image source, NepaliArmy
Langtang Khola project Managing Director Giriraj Adhikari expressed concerns emphasizing the need for a review of Nepal’s rescue processes.
“No one should be blamed now. I believed the Nepali Army would be exceptional in this, but even they lack proper equipment,” he stated.
Prime Minister Balindra Shah ‘Balen’ had previously noted the difficulty of conducting rescue operations even with helicopter deployment over the hydropower project tunnels. However, questions arise regarding delays in involving the private sector and bringing in foreign equipment and experts, for which the government needs to provide explanations.
“It is now time to reflect on whether correct rescue methods were used. Tunnel excavation methods exist, but specific rescue methods for those trapped must be developed,” said Basnet.
Tunnel engineer Basnet emphasized that this incident offers important lessons for future planning.
You can watch additional videos and updates on this news through our YouTube channel and social media platforms.
Caption, Helicopters from the army and private companies have been used for rescue and relief as roads and bridges were washed away by the floodArticle Information
Search and rescue operations continue in areas affected by floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. Meanwhile, since Saturday, videos have emerged on social media suggesting some people might still be trapped around the Ghattekhola area in Rasuwa.
Following this, many expressed concern about the current situation in Ghattekhola and whether people there have been successfully rescued.
Emergency officials analyzing the situation indicated that some of these reports allege that people who fled during the floods are stranded in the forest areas.
“We have also received such information; therefore, helicopters and drones continue to focus on that area,” said Phanindra Prasad Paudel, head of the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, in a conversation on Monday.
“Security personnel conducted surveillance over forested areas; we kept a helicopter monitoring for 19 minutes and also used drones, but no individuals were found there.”
According to officials, many of these videos that emerged on social media within two to three days after the flood are still widely shared.
There Are Many Such Incidents
Image source, RSS
Officials from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority say that misinformation negatively impacts the limited resources and equipment being used for rescue operations.
“Resources and equipment could be used in areas where genuine rescue is needed,” said Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for the authority.
“There are many instances of searching via helicopter. According to army officials, in one location where reports said about 500 people were stranded, only one person was found.”
“Sometimes despite repeated reconnaissance, no people are found. These cases occur especially in high-altitude areas including Rasuwa Gadhi,” she added.
Why Does Misinformation Spread?
Image source, RSS
Caption, Following reports of people trapped inside the hydropower project tunnel, search and rescue efforts have been ongoing since last week
Initially, those who made the videos may have shared information cautiously or out of concern, but prolonged circulation turns these into misleading information.
“It is not unusual for misinformation to spread during disasters; it has happened in the past as well,” says Deepak Adhikari, editor of Nepal Check, a fact-checking organization.
“Misinformation spreads most frequently during political violence, protests, airplane crashes, and natural disasters.”
“At the start of natural disasters, there is often an information vacuum. Over time, this shifts to information overload, which is the current stage.”
“It has been a week since the floods. When people believe such videos, it becomes easier for them to reach those places. Even if people are found, the repeated sharing of old videos creates panic,” Adhikari explained.
Controversy Over Misleading Photos and Videos
Alongside images of floods, misleading videos related to rescue also have been spreading.
“Some videos are generated via artificial intelligence (AI), while others originate from different countries,” said officials from Nepal Check. “For example, a video from another country was reported as a tunnel rescue involving Home Minister Sudhan Gurung.”
“After the flood news emerged, a video from Vietnam of a child carrying another on his back circulated, but it has been confirmed that this video is not from Nepal.”
Similarly, videos resembling rescue operations inside tunnels of various hydropower projects in the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli corridor circulated widely on social media, mimicking actual footage shared by the Nepal Army.
“Many share videos without verifying their authenticity. Posting videos without full information prevents complete truth from emerging,” Nepal Check officials said. “Most of this is done for ‘monetization’.”
“Some have suggested temporarily suspending ‘monetization’ for a few days.”
Monitoring of Social Media
Considering the high risk of misinformation spreading rapidly on social media during the floods, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, formed a dedicated cluster to monitor social media immediately following the floods.
Vijay Kumar Roy from Nepal Telecommunications Authority, who heads this cluster, said many misleading videos have not penetrated the platforms deeply.
“We focus on removing extremely distressing videos that could damage mental health and on issues with pending complaints.”
The cluster includes representatives from the Telecommunications Authority, Press Council, Nepal Police Cyber Bureau, Security Center, and the Ministry of Communications.
Experts note that controlling misleading content on social media is more challenging than on registered media outlets.
The Press Council Nepal is responsible for regulating and monitoring communication media.
“However, most misinformation arises from social media rather than mainstream media,” said Ramsharan Bohara, deputy spokesperson of the Council.
During the initial phase of the flood, some social media posts claimed that water was released from an artificial dam in China. The Chinese Embassy has refuted such rumors and unverified claims.
Some Indian media outlets reportedly continue to circulate such claims.
“Immediately after an event, reliable information is scarce, but people need quick updates. As credible information flows in, clarity improves,” explained Nepal Check officials.
Misinformation Accompanied by Fraud
After the government arranged for interested donors to contribute to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, some individuals attempted to misuse this by conducting ‘phishing’ scams, according to cluster head Roy.
“There have also been incidents where individuals shared their own QR codes fraudulently in the name of the relief fund. We have raised public awareness through SMS about this.”
“Before sending financial support, confirm whether the account number, QR code, or link is official,” the collective SMS from the council advises.
“The campaign has had positive effects. We sent the message on Sunday, and since then, there have been no significant reports of fraud,” Roy told on Wednesday.
“No complaints about other misleading content have been received yet, but if they arise, we will investigate.”
Verify Before Sharing
Experts caution that spreading false information during disasters increases fear and confusion and can obstruct rescue and relief efforts. It risks leading people to make poor decisions and puts them in further danger.
“Information should not be posted or shared on social media without verifying its source,” said Nepal Check officials. “This is a responsibility for all of us.”
“Security agencies and disaster authorities are performing necessary tasks, but unfortunately, there is no centralized information system. For example, different figures for missing persons appear even on official government web portals.”
“If such systems were available, people could access information based on them,” they added.
The content is also available on YouTube. To subscribe to the channel and watch published videos, click here. You can also view our content on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Additionally, the Nepali Service program airs on radio at 8:45 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Mukesh Kumar, 48, from Kathmandu, also known as Mukesh Singh, has been arrested for selling substandard rice packaged as branded rice. He was using sacks labeled “Long Grain Premium Special Rice” at his New Prakash Food Industry in Kuleshwor to sell inferior rice.
An investigation is ongoing into allegations of black market activities and other related social offenses against him. Mukesh Singh, who was arrested on September 3, was accused of deceiving consumers by marketing low-quality rice under the guise of branded rice.
Sonalal Pandit from Pokhariya-7, Parsa district, was engaged in contract work related to house construction in Devighat, Nuwakot.
On the day of the flood, he was in the market for work.
According to family members, amid the chaos of the flood, the others working with Pandit escaped, but he could not because one knee was impaired and he walked with the support of a cane.
“In some videos, he was seen submerged up to his knees, and no information was received afterward,” said his brother Pannalal.
“Consequently, we concluded he was no longer alive and on the fifth day, we performed the funeral using a symbolic Kush body.”
Similarly, journalist Nirajan Paudel also performed the funeral of five family members on Wednesday using Kush replicas.
On September 26, a devastating flood in the Trishuli River caused Paudel’s family members from Betrawati, Bidur Municipality-7, Nuwakot, including parents, uncle, aunt, and sister, to go missing.
“As there was no basis to find them, the relatives collectively decided to proceed with the rites,” Paudel stated.
Officials have noted a rise since Wednesday in the number of people conducting last rites for missing loved ones with Kush replicas at Pashupatinath Aryaghat in Kathmandu.
“Our records show three such funerals on Wednesday,” said Sunar Bhatt, information officer of the Pashupati Area Development Trust, “and on Thursday the number surged significantly.”
The National Disaster Authority reports that the floods have so far claimed 1,252 lives, with over 4,200 individuals still missing across Nepal.
Why are Kush Replicas Used?
Photo source, Reuters
Devmani Bhattarai, a religious scholar and professor at Nepal Sanskrit University, explains that scriptures like ‘Dharmasindhu’ and ‘Nirnayasindhu’ mention the method of performing funeral rites using a palash or kush (sacred grass) body replica.
“When people witness that a relative is in an unrecoverable state—such as seen in some flood videos or if a spouse was swept away and could not be saved—waiting is unnecessary,” he explains.
“If the body is not found and waiting isn’t possible, traditional rites must be conducted within ten days, although ceremonies can be operated from the tenth to thirteenth day as well.”
“Even if there was no visual confirmation, if the village was washed away and nothing remained, the presence of family and friends is accepted symbolically, hence there is no need to wait — the funeral can be performed using a kush replica.”
“Those who are more religious may choose to wait for fifteen days or for government-mandated DNA test results, which is a matter of personal choice,” Bhattarai adds. “In such cases, decisions may be made with support from siblings, relatives, society, and sometimes authorities.”
“If a missing person returns later, there are established rituals for Sixteenth-day rites and all ceremonies from birth onward.”
Beliefs and Customs of Other Communities
Photo source, Chhewang Rigzin
Religious communities have begun their rituals for missing persons.
“Some families of the missing have initiated religious rites, but many are confused due to damages at their homes. We are collectively praying for their peaceful afterlife,” said Acharya Chhewang Rigzin, chairman of the World Forum for Buddhism.
“We believe that rebirth does not occur for 49 days, so ceremonies on the 7th, 21st, and 49th days are significant,” he added. “We have completed the 7th-day ceremony, with plans for the 21st in Kathmandu for Buddhists and the 49th in Rasuwa.”
According to Veer Bahadur Tamang, treasurer of the Churches Fellowship of Nepal, the Christian community awaits official death confirmation before proceeding with formal relief measures for those missing.
“Once a body is found or the government declares someone deceased, we hold prayer and memorial services with photographs,” he noted.
Psychological Perspective
Photo source, RSS
According to religious scholar Bhattarai, performing the final rites with a Kush replica is spiritually and religiously significant.
“When relatives conclude that their loved one is no longer alive, conducting the rituals ensures the departed attains peace and offers some mental solace to the family,” he said.
Psychologist Anjan Kumar Dhakal emphasizes that ritualistic farewells provide families with emotional closure. “Besides religious and cultural importance, this practice holds significant psychological benefits.”
“Completion of ancestral rites according to religious tenets is believed to bring peace to the deceased and positively impact the family and community.”
Sonalal’s brother, Pannalal Pandit, expressed that these religious rites can bring a degree of mental peace. “There is undoubtedly grief, but we understand the importance of such rites in untimely and externally caused deaths.”
Some comments on social media suggest families rushed the funerals after the flood or couldn’t wait a few days.
However, experts clarify such remarks usually come from people without direct experience.
“Those performing the rites are not rushing. If it should not be done within ten days, the family must endure grief for an additional 13 days,” Bhattarai explains. “Those convinced that the relative is truly missing consider completing the rites within ten days appropriate.”
According to Sunar Bhatt of the Pashupati Area Development Trust, the trust arranges free funeral services for flood victims.
“Those bringing recommendations for flood victims do not have to pay fees for using the Cremation Hall,” he added.
A boat carrying 128 passengers from Gambia has been found wrecked south of Spain’s Canary Islands. Rescue teams discovered 45 survivors and five bodies aboard the boat, and the survivors were taken to the port of Arguineguín on Gran Canaria. It is feared that more than 80 migrants have died in the incident. Caminando Fronteras reported that in the first five months of 2026, 1,317 migrants died en route to Spain, with 635 fatalities occurring along the Canary Islands route.
Spanish maritime security forces confirmed the discovery of the boat near the Canary Islands on Thursday in a wrecked state. The boat had been completely missing at sea for about four weeks before it was found south of the Canary Islands. According to the Spanish news agency EFE, it is suspected that over 80 migrants died on board.
The boat was first sighted by Spanish maritime rescue vessel officers on Wednesday afternoon approximately 120 kilometers south of Gran Canaria. After reaching the rescue ship Guardamar Urania at midnight, rescuers found 45 survivors and five bodies. Due to rough sea conditions, rescuers have been unable to recover the five bodies, which remain on the boat.
White sneakers tend to get dirty quickly from mud and dirty water during the rainy season, so it is important to clean them lightly as soon as you get home. Separately cleaning the laces and soles, using waterproof spray, and adopting proper storage habits can help keep sneakers looking new for a long time. White sneakers have become an essential part of many wardrobes today. They are extremely popular because they easily complement jeans, trousers, dresses, and athleisure looks. However, once the rainy season begins, keeping white sneakers clean becomes a challenge. Due to mud, dirty water, and moisture, the shoes start to look dirty quickly. Nevertheless, with a few simple habits, white sneakers can be kept looking new even during the rainy season.
Clean lightly as soon as you get home—if your sneakers have mud on them, instead of letting it dry, remove the dirt immediately upon arriving home using a soft brush or a clean dry cloth, then wipe the shoes with a slightly damp cloth. This method prevents stains from setting deeply and makes cleaning easier.
Use mild soap for cleaning—when cleaning white sneakers, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners. Mix a little mild liquid soap in lukewarm water and gently clean the shoes with a soft brush. This helps preserve both the color and material of the sneakers.
Many people tend to dry wet shoes directly under intense sunlight during the rainy season, but this can cause white sneakers to yellow and damage the material. Instead, dry shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sun. If the sneakers are very wet, inserting crumpled newspaper or tissue paper inside can absorb moisture and help maintain the shoe’s shape. For those who wear white sneakers regularly even in the rainy season, using a suitable waterproof spray creates a protective layer on the shoe surface, which prevents water and dirt from penetrating to some extent.
It is important to develop habits such as cleaning white sneakers promptly, drying them properly after getting wet, using waterproof spray when necessary, and storing them in appropriate places to keep them looking shiny during the rainy season. Regular minor care not only maintains the shoe’s beauty but also extends its longevity.
