The Nepal Veterinary Association has launched a 24-hour hotline service, 1159, to assist with animal rescue and treatment in flood-affected districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. Kathmandu, September 27 — Following the floods that struck districts such as Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading, the Nepal Veterinary Association has initiated a round-the-clock hotline to support animal rescue and medical treatment efforts. According to Dr. Shankar Nyaupane, General Secretary of the Association, livestock farmers affected by the floods can contact hotline number 1159 for technical advice regarding animal health, treatment, and rescue operations.
Based on the information received through the hotline, the Association will coordinate with veterinarians and rescue and treatment teams on the ground to deploy support teams promptly where needed.
This morning, the Association dispatched an inclusive team comprising Dr. Pravesh Sharma, Dr. Nishant Sharma Gelal, Dr. Sudip Regmi, Dr. Dinesh Aryal, and Dr. Keshav Kharel to the flood-affected areas.
With the risk of various infectious diseases and epidemics emerging after the floods, the Association is working closely with the Department of Livestock Services and other government bodies to monitor and prevent disease outbreaks.
The free public hotline number is 1159. In addition, the Association has provided direct contact numbers for further assistance: Dr. Shankar Nyaupane (9845440404), Dr. Vishal Pokhrel (9843397587), and Dr. Dinesh Aryal (9840017076).
In preparation for the ACC Premier Cup, the Nepalese cricket team secured a 27-run victory over Malaysia in their second practice match. This marked Nepal’s second consecutive win. Batting first, Nepal was all out for 170 runs in 41.4 overs, highlighted by Rohit Paudel’s excellent innings of 61 runs and a crucial 59-run partnership with Gulshan Jhanda. Gulshan contributed 45 runs.
Malaysia’s Akil Wahid took 4 wickets, while Syed Aziz claimed 3 wickets; Rizwan Haider and Mohammad Amir Azim took 2 and 1 wicket respectively. Chasing a target of 171 runs, Malaysia started strongly with a score of 94/1, but Nepal’s bowlers consistently took wickets and shifted the momentum of the game. Malaysia was bowled out for 143 runs in 40.1 overs. Lalit Rajbanshi took 3 wickets for Nepal, while Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Rohit Paudel each took 2 wickets. Hemant Dhami also contributed with 1 wicket.
Malaysia’s Akil Wahid scored 56 runs and Najmus Saqib made 51 runs, but their efforts were not enough to secure the win. Earlier, Nepal had defeated Malaysia by 9 wickets in the first practice match.
On September 27, in Kathmandu, this victory has further boosted the morale of the Nepalese cricket team as they continue preparations for the ACC Premier Cup.
After a 31-run defeat to the Kingsmen, Nepal has been eliminated from the semifinal contention of the Top End T20 Series. In Thursday’s match, chasing a target of 198 runs set by the Kingsmen, Nepal was bowled out for 166 runs in 19.2 overs. Kushal Bhurtel scored the highest 66 runs for Nepal, but it was insufficient to secure a win. Lokesh Bam and Anil Sah added 11 runs each, while Bipin Khatri contributed 10 runs. For the Kingsmen, Scott Kuggeleijn and Usama Mir took three wickets each. Ali Sheikh claimed two wickets, while Umar Khan and Hamad Azam took one wicket apiece.
The Kingsmen, having won the toss, chose to bat first and posted 197 for 5 wickets in their 20 overs. Shehan Jayasuriya was the top scorer with 67 runs. Shayan Jahangir scored 27, Hamad Azam made 26, Milind Kumar scored 25, and Tayyab Arif contributed 22 runs. For Nepal, Narayan Joshi took two wickets, while Rashid Khan, Pawan Sarraf, and Kushal Bhurtel took one wicket each. Prior to this match, Nepal had played four games with a balanced record of 2 wins and 2 losses, with one game remaining. Even if Nepal wins the final match, they will only reach 6 points, while the top four teams have already secured at least 8 points, effectively ending Nepal’s chances of advancing.
In the Top End T20 series, the Kingsmen posted a competitive total of 197 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs, setting Nepal a target of 198 runs to chase. Shehan Jayasuriya was the top scorer for Kingsmen with 67 runs, while Nepal’s Narayan Joshi took 2 wickets. Nepal has secured 2 wins and 2 losses in their previous 4 matches and must win both remaining games to advance to the semifinals.
11 Bhadra, Kathmandu – Nepal is currently playing their fifth match in the Top End T20 series, facing a challenging target set by the Kingsmen. After losing the toss and batting first, the Kingsmen managed to score 197 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, giving Nepal a demanding target of 198 runs.
Shehan Jayasuriya led the innings for the Kingsmen with an impressive 67 runs. Other notable contributions came from Shayan Jahangir with 27 runs, Hammad Azam with 26, Milind Kumar with 25, and Tayyab Arif adding 22 runs. On the bowling side, Nepal’s Narayan Joshi claimed 2 wickets, while Rashid Khan, Pawan Sarraf, and Kushal Bhurtel each took one wicket.
Prior to this match, Nepal has recorded 2 wins and 2 losses in the series. Nepal must secure victories in both remaining games, including today’s match, to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the semifinals.
The Nepal School Sports Federation (NSSF) and Nepal Climbing Sport Association (NCSA) have signed a collaboration agreement aimed at developing climbing sports from the school level. The agreement was formalized during an event held on Wednesday, where NSSF President Binod Shrestha and NCSA President Ramesh Kumar Paudel signed the pact.
According to the agreement, efforts will be made to promote, develop, and expand climbing sports at the school level. This initiative also aims to enhance the participation of Nepali athletes in competitions organized by the NSSF and the International School Sport Federation (ISF).
President Binod Shrestha commented that the agreement marks a significant starting point for systematically developing climbing from the school level, beyond just being a formal signature. He expressed confidence that this sport will contribute to promoting adventure sports and tourism in Nepal.
Ramesh Kumar Paudel, President of the Nepal Climbing Sport Association, highlighted the vast potential for climbing in Nepal and emphasized that collaboration with the NSSF is vital for producing athletes starting at the school level. NSSF General Secretary Rajkumar Karki noted that recognizing climbing activities currently taking place at the grassroots level will support the development of future national and international athletes through this partnership.
Sanjog Gupta, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has expressed his belief that Nepal could emerge as the next Afghanistan or New Zealand in the world of cricket. Speaking with the international news agency Reuters, Gupta highlighted the rapid improvement in the standard of Nepali cricket and noted that Nepalese players are proving their merit on the global stage. He stated, “Nepal could be tomorrow’s Afghanistan or even tomorrow’s New Zealand.”
Gupta remarked that Nepal has developed an excellent group of players who are steadily rising through various ICC pathways. He added, “They (Nepali players) are demonstrating their capabilities on the world platform.” Over the past two years, the ICC has invested approximately 5 million US dollars to support the development of cricket in Nepal.
Nepal has also secured co-hosting rights for the upcoming Under-19 Women’s World Cup scheduled for next year. Gupta emphasized, “Nepal possesses a significant asset that all sports desire – a large and highly enthusiastic fan base. Today’s supporters are tomorrow’s players.” Nepal’s qualification for the T20 World Cup for the first time in 2014 marked a pivotal moment in the country’s cricketing journey. Following Nepal’s achievement of One Day International (ODI) status in 2018, the sport’s popularity has surged rapidly across the nation.
Led by Kushal Bhurtel’s exceptional all-round display, Nepal defeated ACT Comets by 4 wickets in the Top End T20 series, marking their second consecutive win. ACT Comets scored 140 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs, but Nepal successfully chased the target with 4 balls to spare, losing 5 wickets. Bhurtel scored 61 runs and took 3 wickets, while Pawan Sartaf remained unbeaten with 29 runs. Nepal is scheduled to play Kingsmen tomorrow morning. (10 Bhadra, Kathmandu)
Inspired by Kushal Bhurtel’s comprehensive performance, Nepal secured back-to-back wins in the ongoing Top End T20 series in Australia’s Northern Territory. On Wednesday, Nepal defeated ACT Comets by 4 wickets. chasing down a target of 141 runs with 4 balls remaining and 5 wickets down. Captain Kushal Bhurtel top-scored with 61 runs. Pawan Sartaf remained unbeaten on 29, and Mayan Yadav contributed 21 runs.
Jack Kahl from ACT took 3 wickets, while Jeet Mehta claimed 2 wickets. After losing the toss and batting first, ACT scored 140 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Dylan Hunter made 44 runs, and both Ansh Tiwari and Nick Broers scored 19 runs each. For Nepal, Kushal Bhurtel delivered 3 wickets conceding just 9 runs in 2 overs, and Yuvraj Khatri took 2 wickets. After suffering defeats in the first two matches, Nepal had previously defeated Hobart Hurricanes Academy on Monday. Nepal is now preparing to face Kingsmen tomorrow morning.
Following a landslide in China’s Xinjiang Autonomous Region, 145 personnel from the People’s Armed Police have been deployed for emergency rescue operations. The landslide has blocked the road connecting Ziro County, and several buildings near the port have been buried under soil and debris. Local authorities are relocating people at risk to safer locations, while the troops are working to clear the roads and accelerate rescue efforts.
On September 26, a landslide occurred in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, prompting the deployment of armed police for relief activities. According to Chinese media Global Times, 145 officers and soldiers from the People’s Armed Police have been mobilized for rescue operations following the landslide in southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.
Information from the People’s Liberation Army’s Xinjiang Corps indicates that troops from Shigatse have been deployed to the border area. The landslide toward Nepal has fully blocked the road connecting Ziro County. Drone footage shows several buildings near the port covered by soil and rubble. The military is clearing the affected areas and intensifying rescue missions, while local administration is actively relocating residents in danger to secure locations.
The 14th South Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Pakistan from April 3 to April 11, the Nepal Olympic Committee announced at a press conference on Wednesday. The event will feature 28 sports, with an estimated participation of 4,191 athletes and officials according to the preliminary list. Under the chairmanship of Nepal Olympic Committee President Jeevan Ram Shrestha, the South Asia Olympic Council Coordination Committee has been formed for the first time.
The 14th South Asian Games will include 28 sports, 25 of which will have competitions for both men and women, while 3 sports will be exclusively for men. The sports featured at the 14th SAG are athletics, aquatics (swimming), archery, badminton, basketball, billiards, boxing, cricket, football, golf, handball, hockey, kabaddi, karate, rowing, rugby, shooting, squash, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and wushu.
A total of 1,207 medals will be awarded at the Games, including 346 gold, 346 silver, and 515 bronze medals. The participant count is projected to include 3,172 athletes along with 1,019 officials, totaling 4,191 individuals. Pakistan will host the Games across three cities.
The opening ceremony is slated to be held at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, which has a seating capacity of approximately 50,000 spectators. According to President Shrestha, India has confirmed participation virtually, and all member countries are expected to take part.
September 25, Kathmandu – A fire broke out in the maternity ward of a major hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 newborn babies. According to local broadcaster Geo TV, the blaze was caused by a malfunction in the air conditioning system of the obstetrics ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
Rescue sources report that within the hospital’s nursery in the federal capital, the compressor of an air conditioner exploded. The fire has now been fully extinguished, and teams are working to cool down the affected area, rescue officials told the media. Emergency response teams arrived immediately at the hospital to control the fire, evacuate patients, and secure the affected zone. While several other children were reported injured in the incident, the hospital administration has yet to issue an official statement.
September 26, Kathmandu. Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed authorities to actively engage in the search and rescue operations for those missing due to landslides caused by flooding in the Nepal-China border region. The state-run Global Times, citing Xinhua, reported this directive. President Xi has ordered that all available resources be deployed to address this emergency and to intensify search and rescue efforts.
The landslides have caused significant damage at the Kerung port located in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of southwest China. Reports indicate extensive losses to both human life and property at this border port area.
Government agencies have urged heightened vigilance along the banks of the Trishuli River from Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading to Mugling in Chitwan. Due to increased water flow in the Trishuli River and the heightened risk of disasters, the District Administration Office of Chitwan has requested people living along the Narayani River—formed by the confluence of the Trishuli and Kaligandaki rivers—to move to safer locations.
The District Administration Office issued a notice advising people to avoid going near the river, and for those already nearby, a compulsory request to relocate immediately to safe areas. The administration has urged residents along the riverbanks, ongoing construction projects, and offices situated in the riverine areas to take necessary precautions and preparatory measures. “Local authorities should facilitate the relocation of residents living along the riverbanks to safe areas,” the notice stated.
Image Caption, People in Nuwakot have started moving from the banks of the Trishuli River to safer areas
Published
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
A sudden and severe flood struck Rasuwa district on Wednesday morning, causing significant damage, with authorities reporting that water levels are “five times higher than last year.” However, detailed damage assessments are still underway.
According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the government has instructed chief district officials to relocate residents from vulnerable lower riverbank areas to safer locations.
“Continuous information is being disseminated to move other citizens who may be further affected by the flooding to secure places,” a statement from the secretariat said.
The government has urged people to avoid traveling on the Prithvi Highway, Galchi–Nuwakot–Rasuwa Syafrubesi road, and Mugling–Narayangadh road due to the flooding.
“Security forces are currently urging people living near the riverbanks to stay safe through loudspeaker announcements,” said reporter Ishwar Joshi from Chitwan.
Anand Kafle, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and the Ministry of Home Affairs, indicated that a command center has been established at the National Disaster Risk Reduction Authority and a further meeting is scheduled at 11 a.m. at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office to discuss the situation.
“The damage reported is large, and rescue operations extending up to Mugling are underway. We are actively working on this. However, a full assessment of losses is not yet possible,” Kafle stated.
‘From Dhunche, we can see the river’: Rasuwa Chief District Officer
This flood is also believed to have originated from across the border in Tibet rather than Nepalese territory, though detailed information is yet to be confirmed.
Narendra Pariyar, Chief District Officer of Rasuwa, said, “From Dhunche, we can actually see the river. Under normal circumstances, that wouldn’t be the case. The river, formed where Bhote Koshi and Lende rivers meet, becomes the Trishuli after Dhunche. The Trishuli dam is visible from there.”
He reported that the flood has extensively affected riverbank areas. “The flood started in the upper region near Timure. We understand it came from across the Tibet border. Information came suddenly, so exact confirmation on the origin is pending. Significant damage has occurred in Timure.”
“Damage is also reported in Syafrubesi, but the extent is unknown. Near there was the Chilime bridge, but we cannot yet confirm if it’s safe. Our team has reached that area.”
Due to lack of suitable landing spots for helicopters, the Nepal Army has conducted aerial inspections of affected areas using just one helicopter.
“The Rasuwa Gadhi hydropower dam is reportedly compromised down to the bottom. We are deploying all available security personnel from here,” he said. “Because there’s no helipad, monitoring is from the air.”
Assistant Rathi Rajaram Basnet, spokesperson for the Nepal Army, said three helicopters have been dispatched carrying medicine and rescue teams to the affected zones.
Response from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat
Image Caption, Last July, flooding in Rasuwa caused significant economic and livelihood damage
Under the direction of Prime Minister Valendra Shah, concerned organizations have mobilized their resources to intensify rescue, search, and relief operations in flood-affected areas, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat stated.
“The district’s Disaster Authority has already shown active involvement. The Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, District Administration, and others are deeply engaged in rescue and search operations. Additionally, the Nepal Army has pushed forward the rescue and search efforts,” the statement reads.
According to the secretariat, a meeting led by Home Minister Sudan Gurung is currently underway at Singha Durbar, focusing on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
Advised to Exercise Caution Up to Chitwan
Government agencies have urged heightened vigilance along the banks of the Trishuli River from Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhadhing, extending to Mugling in Chitwan.
Both the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the Flood Forecasting Division have issued separate alerts concerning this situation.
“The situation may further develop. Let us rely on official updates rather than rumors and keep each other informed. If needed, immediately notify relevant authorities,” said Information and Communications Minister Bikram Timilsina on social media.
Bikram Timilsina is also an elected representative from Nuwakot.
Report from the Nepal Army
The Nepal Army confirmed at 9 a.m. that damage has been verified in areas such as Timure, Syafrubesi, and along riverbanks.
“Two Nepal Army helicopters have reached Trishuli for search and rescue, and an emergency medical rescue team, including an MI-17 helicopter, has been deployed to assist the district hospital in Trishuli,” the army stated.
Rescue teams from Dhunche and Trishuli barracks have been dispatched to affected areas, and skilled personnel from the No. 6 Brigade base in Gajuri have also been mobilized for disaster management, according to the army.
You can also watch this report on Nepali YouTube channels. To subscribe and view our published videos, please click here. Additionally, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Our radio broadcast airs from Monday to Friday at 8:45 p.m.
Kathmandu Gorkhas have signed Sri Lankan all-rounder Sahan Arrachige to compete in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League. The left-handed batsman and right-arm off-spin bowler has played 103 T20 matches, scoring 1,462 runs and taking 54 wickets. He previously represented Pokhara Rhinos in the 2021 Everest Premier League in Nepal. (10 Bhadra, Kathmandu)
Sahan Arrachige will be featuring for Kathmandu Gorkhas in the third Nepal Premier League (NPL) season. Kathmandu Gorkhas announced his signing on social media. In T20 cricket, Sahan has amassed 1,462 runs and taken 54 wickets across 103 matches. He is also a title winner in the Lanka Premier League.
Sahan has represented Sri Lanka in five One Day Internationals and one T20 International. He made his ODI debut in July 2023 during the World Cup qualifier in Harare against the West Indies. Additionally, he has captained the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team and recently played a key role in leading the Gal Gaints to victory in the Lanka Premier League.
According to Sharad Bhesawakar, Cricket Director of Kathmandu Gorkhas, “Sahan is a passionate player with a winning mindset. He is consistent and capable of executing strategies under pressure. His experience leading matches in the Lanka Premier League and Sri Lanka ‘A’ team will strengthen our batting lineup. I am confident his batting, bowling, and fielding skills will be valuable assets for Kathmandu Gorkhas.”
While the federal government operates under the National Independent Party (Rastriya Swatantra Party – RASWA) with nearly a two-thirds majority, traditional parties, sidelined at the federal level, are once again embroiled in power struggles at the provincial level. This ongoing tussle has intensified dissatisfaction among young leaders within the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist – UML) and the Nepal Communist Party (NCP).
Political analyst Shyam Shrestha remarks that “there has been no change in the behavior of parties that have already frustrated the public in the past,” adding that this trend “actually benefits those opposing federalism.”
The UML and NCP have formed provincial governments across the country through coalitions. Following the breakdown of cooperation with the Nepali Congress, joint governments between the UML and NCP have been established in five provinces.
However, despite having their own party-led governments, local leaders appear dissatisfied, with internal conflicts causing provincial administrations to become tense and unstable.
The power-sharing arrangement between the two leftist parties has entangled the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) in disputes within Bagmati Province and the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) in Lumbini Province.
Complex Power Struggles
Image source, RSS
In Bagmati Province, a dispute has escalated to the courts after the party’s central chairperson issued disciplinary action letters to RPP MPs who had helped secure the majority needed to form the government.
Meanwhile, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ chairman of the Nepal Communist Party, has intervened to reconcile dissenting factions within the party, resulting in Chief Minister Kiran Thapa Magar winning a vote of confidence on Tuesday.
The Nepali Congress appealed to the Speaker, demanding that the vote of confidence be postponed until the support dispute involving the RPP is resolved, and issued a whip instructing its MPs not to participate in the process.
Similarly, in Lumbini Province, as the cabinet was being expanded on Tuesday, the Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal (JSP) summoned three MPs for a second explanation after they supported the government against party directives.
Leaders reported that these MPs were issued a 24-hour ultimatum asking, “Why should investigative action not be taken against you?”
In Karnali Province, the cabinet has not yet been fully formed. Even though Mangala Bahadur Shahi of the Nepal Communist Party became Chief Minister about a month ago, due to internal factionalism, government formation remains incomplete.
On Tuesday, as three NCP ministers were about to be sworn in, a group of party MPs submitted a letter of concern to the central office, which halted the swearing-in process at the last minute.
Lessons of Fagun 21 Still Unlearned
Image source, AFP
UML Central Committee member Sameek Badal interprets the current provincial-level tensions as a failure to learn the lessons from the weak mandate the party received in the Fagun 21 elections.
“Due to incorrect decisions by leadership regarding provinces and inclusion within the Constitution, public disappointment has increased, and the younger generation is now disillusioned with the current system,” says Badal, a former central president of the party’s student organization.
He adds that selfish groups seeking to destabilize Nepal have exploited this situation, and the developments at the provincial level will only deepen this disappointment further.
“Our leaders, especially those in main political parties, seem to have become obstinate,” he comments.
“If decisions and actions were taken with an understanding of federalism’s essence that resonates with the people, such resentment would not have emerged.”
Noting the difficulty in forming governments due to lack of clear majorities in various provinces, Badal emphasizes the necessity of cooperating with the Congress party in the current context.
“Previously, the constitution was promulgated through collaboration among the Congress, UML, and the then Maoists. A similar partnership today would be beneficial, since current decisions raise questions about whether the main parties are capable of effective leadership,” he observes.
Federalism Reduced to Mere Lip Service
Central committee member of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), Ranjit Tamang, states that although political parties officially support decentralization, their actual practices tend toward centralization.
“As parties are accused of playing power games, frequent reversals and power struggles within the approximately one-and-a-half-year-old provincial governments have prevented a positive image of federalism or the parties,” says Tamang, who was formerly a leader of the All Nepal National Free Students Union (Revolutionary).
“At a time when federalism needs to be strengthened by leaving behind self-interest and conditionality, parties have failed to do so, which has created an anti-federalism atmosphere.”
He highlights the unprecedented changes in the national political landscape in the past year following mass awareness and elections and underscores the importance of forming inclusive provincial governments that prioritize the public.
“Although the public expects change from political parties, there is little sign of that. To maintain stability, parties must find easy resolutions, as provincial governments are also preparing for elections, which may reduce internal dissent,” Tamang adds.
“Focus on party power rather than public issues has increased public disenchantment with traditional parties, revealing their loyalty to federalism as mere lip service. This adversely affects the public’s real needs and aspirations.”
Politics Remains Unchanged
Image source, KP Oli Secretariat
Image caption, Coalitions between UML and NCP across the country for provincial governments (file image)
Political analyst Shyam Shrestha points out that parties have failed to conduct self-reflection on why they have been sidelined, which has led to these repetitive situations.
“Had there been a review of mistakes, solutions would have followed, but these traditional parties remain unchanged. They still believe Nepal’s politics cannot move forward,” he comments.
He asserts this attitude strengthens anti-federalism sentiments.
“With no proactive actions, federalism in Nepal is effectively under threat. This is a dangerous signal for federalism.”
“Political turbulence at the federal level quickly results in negative repercussions within provincial governments. This is unlike the situation in India, posing a risk to federalism’s stability.”
The news is also available on YouTube. For subscribing and watching videos, click here. Additionally, content is accessible on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The Nepali service broadcasts programs on the radio from Monday to Friday at 8:45 PM.
