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.”
According to government data, 2,671 buildings were damaged during the Ginjee movement, with an assessed value of NPR 8.45 billion. The government has devised a three-year strategy for the reconstruction of damaged buildings, allocating NPR 1 billion annually from the federal budget for the current and coming fiscal years. Despite significant damage to structures such as the Parliament building, Singha Durbar, and the Supreme Court, officials report that the reconstruction process is progressing slowly. Kathmandu, 8 October 2025 – The physical damage caused by the Ginjee movement on 8 and 9 October 2025 has approached NPR 10 billion. During those days, 2,671 buildings sustained damage. The government formed a committee led by Ravilal Panth, then Secretary of the National Planning Commission, to assess the damage to public property, physical assets, and private establishments, and to draft a reconstruction plan for government consideration. The estimated physical damage was NPR 8.45 billion, accounting for 1.38 percent of the Gross Domestic Product and 4.30 percent of the annual budget for fiscal year 2025/26.
During reconstruction of physical structures, many government buildings fell into ruin. The government has already conducted immediate technical inspections of damaged buildings. Structures deemed usable were promptly repainted and reopened. In the previous fiscal year, repair work commenced on 904 buildings, with 494 already restored and operational. However, 35 percent of damaged buildings remain fully nonfunctional. The current fiscal year’s budget has been allocated for necessary repairs and reconstruction efforts, which have begun. Nonetheless, reconstruction of large government buildings severely affected during the movement remains slow. The Parliament building in Baneshwor is a key example. While the ministerial residence in Bhaiseput is being rebuilt, the Prime Minister’s main office in Singha Durbar remains in ruins. According to Prakash Aryal, Deputy Director General of the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, a decision on repairing or rebuilding the Parliament building has not yet been finalized, delaying progress.
Progress has been noted in other structures. The design work for the conference hall at Godavari has been completed and construction is set to begin. Retrofitting has started at Kathmandu District Court, and the design for the Kathmandu District Administration Office building is complete with construction slated to commence soon. Severe damage to the View Tower in Damak is under reconstruction. Deputy Director General Aryal stated that although some programs in the Ministry of Infrastructure lost budget allocations, these will be resubmitted to the Cabinet to reinstate funding. Preliminary reconstruction has begun only on the most severely damaged buildings in Singha Durbar. A detailed project report is underway for rebuilding the former Ministry of Home Affairs building, and reconstruction of the Supreme Court building is also advancing. Officials in the Ministry of Infrastructure assured that these costly and valuable structures will be rebuilt gradually as multi-year projects.
The Nepal Police lost many buildings during the movement; some have since reopened under local community leadership, while others remain under construction. The movement damaged the President’s office, Federal Parliament, Central Secretariat at Singha Durbar, Supreme Court, other courts, constitutional commissions, ministries, and subordinate agencies, as well as provincial governments and their agencies. Additionally, damage extended to local bodies, security forces’ buildings, private residences, political party offices, and commercial establishments. Another reason for delays in rebuilding government and community structures is the lack of insurance on damaged buildings. Studies show that out of 2,671 damaged buildings, only 130 had insurance—19 government and 111 private structures. The government had previously provided funding for urgent repairs to restore buildings, and this year has allocated budget for full reconstruction. The Ministry of Infrastructure plans to proceed with many new contracts this year. Despite 2,671 buildings being damaged, exact data on how many have been rebuilt or remain in ruins is unavailable. The National Planning Commission reports that among damaged buildings, 53 percent belong to the public sector, 40 percent to private sector, and 7 percent to community or other sectors.
By province, Bagmati Province experienced the greatest damage. Of the 2,671 damaged buildings, 79.8 percent were public structures. Damage to buildings alone was valued at roughly NPR 3.93 billion. Vehicles worth NPR 1.3 billion were destroyed during the movement, and other physical assets suffered losses of NPR 2.04 billion. The National Planning Commission found losses of NPR 281 million in cash and valuables, and NPR 902 million in temporary and private property. The private sector’s damage totaled NPR 3.35 billion, including NPR 2.75 billion in establishments and NPR 650 million in households. Political party offices, community organizations, and associated assets sustained about NPR 597 million in losses. The movement also directly impacted goods and service production valued at NPR 1.39 billion and affected employment of approximately 2,999 individuals, with 2,353 losing jobs entirely. As per the Commission’s reconstruction plan, the estimated expense for repairing and rebuilding public buildings, vehicles, and other physical assets is approximately NPR 3.63 billion.
Following the earthquake reconstruction, arson during the movement caused substantial damage. About half of the structures in the previous year’s movement epicenters had been rebuilt post-earthquake. The country had incurred significant public debt during that period. However, those rebuilt buildings were damaged again in this movement. According to data presented by the Commission, among the damaged buildings, 46 percent were constructed within the past 10 years, 48 percent were 10 to 49 years old, and 6 percent were over 50 years old. Most damage occurred to government buildings. Among 57 structures costing over NPR 10 million each, damages exceeded NPR 10 million. Arson incidents involved 921 buildings valued between NPR 100,000 to NPR 1 million and 1,114 buildings valued between NPR 1 million and NPR 10 million.
The government has prepared a three-year strategy to complete reconstruction of partially or fully damaged government buildings and structures within the coming fiscal year. In March 2025, the National Planning Commission unveiled the Reconstruction and Physical Asset Management Work Plan 2082, which includes this three-year strategy. The plan outlines budget allocations for reconstruction by federal, provincial, and local governments. According to the strategy, reconstruction efforts are targeted for completion across the previous, current, and next fiscal years. The plan will be integrated into the National Planning Bank, medium-term expenditure framework, and ministry-level budget systems for implementation. The federal government has decided to allocate NPR 1 billion per year in the current and next fiscal years for rebuilding essential physical assets necessary for service operations. Provincial governments plan to allocate NPR 150 million annually, while local governments will allocate NPR 330 million annually to implement reconstruction works. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle announced during the current fiscal year’s budget speech that priority will be given to renovation and reconstruction of government buildings damaged during the Ginjee movement. Accordingly, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development has earmarked an approximate budget of NPR 600 million for the ongoing fiscal year.
Photo caption, Bodies of flood victims who remain unidentified have been temporarily buried as part of emergency management
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Monday marks a national day of mourning across Nepal in remembrance of the lives lost due to the sudden devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.
Last week, the Cabinet decided to observe national mourning on the 13th day after the floods hit. During this time, government offices across the country and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad are flying the national flag at half-mast.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, as of Monday, at least 1,355 deaths have been confirmed from the flood that struck on Bhadra 10, while thousands remain missing and unaccounted for.
President Ram Chandra Paudel visited flood-affected areas in Nuwakot on Monday morning to conduct a field assessment. He gathered information on search and rescue efforts, relief distribution, and the management of holding centers.
Police report that nearly 3,200 people have taken shelter across various holding centers in different districts while search operations for the missing are ongoing.
President Addresses the Nation
Photo source, RSS
Photo caption, President Ram Chandra Paudel also visited the holding center established in the covered hall at Battar, Nuwakot on Monday
After visiting the affected areas, President Paudel addressed the nation to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the floods that hit the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers on Bhadra 10.
In his speech, he expressed wishes for the recovery of the injured and expressed confidence that the government will proceed sensitively and carefully with the identification process of the deceased.
President Paudel also extended condolences to the nations of foreign citizens who have either died or gone missing in the disaster and expressed gratitude towards countries providing assistance.
He praised the security personnel involved in the search and rescue operations of the missing individuals and stressed that nothing should hinder these crucial efforts.
Earlier on Monday, President Paudel visited a temporary shelter in Battar, Nuwakot, to meet with displaced persons.
Locations of Ongoing Search Operations
Photo source, AFP via Getty Images
Photo caption, During national mourning, government offices and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad fly the national flag at half-mast
Security agencies confirm that search efforts continue in various flood-affected areas.
According to the Nepal Army, construction of the ‘Belly Bridge’ at the Tadi River in Devi Ghat, Nuwakot is in progress as the floods swept away dozens of bridges and roads.
Rescue teams focus on searching underground tunnels of hydropower projects after finding two people alive on Saturday and one on Sunday, as well as one survivor among rubble in Beterawati washed away by floods.
The Nepal Army leads efforts to search and rescue people trapped inside tunnels, with assistance from foreign experts in some areas.
According to Armed Police Force spokesperson Netrabahadur Karki, search operations extend from Timure in Rasuwa to the Narayani River near the Nepal-India border in west Nawalparasi district.
Army spokesperson Rajaram Basnet said search continues in tunnels and underground powerhouses across various hydropower projects under the army’s leadership.
Photo source, Nepal Army
On Sunday, the Nepal Army reported reaching the powerhouse and control point of the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project during search efforts.
According to the latest update on Sunday night, continuous search is underway at the powerhouse and tunnel of Trishuli 3A with necessary equipment, and the path at Trishuli 3B Audit 2 tunnel is being cleared to allow excavators access.
At Chilime Hydro, a joint team including foreign experts continues search operations after removing debris.
At the Upper Trishuli 1 project site, a team including foreign experts has conducted further tunnel searches utilizing thermal cameras.
What is the death toll?
Photo source, EPA/Shutterstock
Photo caption, Families of missing persons have begun traditional funeral rites and ceremonies according to their religious customs
As of 11 a.m. Monday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority confirmed recovery of 1,355 bodies or body parts.
Police report nearly 4,000 people are still missing while the Authority estimates the figure around 5,000.
According to the Authority, bodies recovered include 169 from Rasuwa, 197 from Nuwakot, 70 from Dhading, 363 from Chitwan, 75 from Gorkha, 38 from Tanahun, 222 from East Nawalparasi, and 221 from West Nawalparasi.
Bodies carried by the Narayani River to India have been brought back to West Nawalparasi, where authorities maintain the records.
Police affirm that DNA samples and all necessary procedures have been completed for identifying 1,044 bodies which have been buried.
DNA samples have been collected from 1,181 relatives of deceased and 1,238 relatives of missing persons to aid in identification through DNA profiling, according to the police.
How Many Have Been Rescued?
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reports that 13,396 people have been rescued from the flood-affected districts.
According to the Nepal Army, approximately 4,000 people were rescued by helicopter by Sunday evening.
The Authority states that by Monday morning, the Nepal Army had conducted 1,159 helicopter sorties.
The Authority’s data indicates around 6,672 people were injured in the floods, with 323 admitted for treatment and 228 already discharged.
More than 21,400 security personnel from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Army remain mobilized in post-disaster search, rescue, and relief operations according to the Authority’s disclosure.
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A total of 3,390 individuals have filed insurance claims amounting to NPR 2.319 billion for losses incurred during the Janjati movement; however, only NPR 882 million has been paid out so far. Bhatbhateni has claimed NPR 800 million but has received only about NPR 250 million to date, while Hilton Hotel’s claim of NPR 500 million is still under litigation. According to the Nepal Insurance Authority, delays in claim payments are due to surveyor assessments, document processing, and reinsurance procedures. (September 9, Kathmandu)
Despite a year having passed since the Janjati movement on September 9-10, 2025, policyholders affected have yet to receive full insurance compensation. Although property insured for the event totaled NPR 2.3 billion, only about NPR 900 million has been disbursed to claimants. The Nepal Insurance Authority reports that 3,390 individuals have sought compensation for losses incurred during the unrest.
To date, claims worth NPR 2.319 billion have been submitted. As of mid-July 2026, insurance companies have paid only NPR 882 million—equivalent to just 38% of the total claims. An official from the Insurance Authority clarified that it is not always possible to pay the full amount requested by claimants.
“Insurance companies process claims by assessing the damage after submission of claims, and there are cases where claims payments may be reduced or denied based on evaluation,” explained the official. The Janjati movement involved significant arson and vandalism to both government and private properties, resulting in an estimated total loss of about NPR 8.4 billion.
Severe flooding has caused extensive damage in parts of Rasuwa and Nuwakot, where field assessments have recently taken place. While some houses on the upper hills appeared intact during a helicopter flight, vast areas along the riverbanks were heavily damaged. One week after the devastating flood struck on September 26, rescue efforts and relief distribution activities were underway as we visited Nuwakot to gather information.
The floodwaters, which extended up to the Nepal-China border, washed away numerous settlements along the Trishuli River banks. Traveling by helicopter across hills and valleys revealed numerous sites where houses were destroyed and riverbanks were covered in white silt. In some locations there were collapsed homes, while in others nothing remained visible.
We also visited the site of the Upper Trishuli A Hydroelectric Project, which was commissioned six years ago by the Nepal Electricity Authority. There, Nepali Army personnel, police, technical staff from the electricity authority, and other security forces were engaged in reopening the tunnel entrance. Excavators and bulldozers were busy with excavation work.
The helicopter flight provided views of the Nepal-China border region as well, revealing tragic scenes buried under mud. Pilots operated under extreme risk navigating the geographically challenging mountainous terrain. Images and footage captured during the floods have been widely circulated on social media, with millions expressing sympathy for those affected and impacted by the disaster.
September 8, Doti – When his sister had her first menstruation, the family and community advised keeping her in the livestock shed (Chhaupadi) for 22 days as per tradition. However, 18-year-old Tekendra Kadayat from Ladagad, Dipayal Silgadhi Municipality-8 in Doti, strongly disagreed with this practice. “I did not like the idea. I raised my voice that my sister should be kept safe inside our home, not in the hut,” he stated. His firm opposition prevented anyone from pressuring the family to isolate her in the Chhaupadi hut.
Tekendra’s internal family protest helped his sister avoid the forced confinement in the Chhaupadi hut, a practice that requires women to remain isolated in small, remote, and unsafe enclosures during menstruation. “It pained me to see my mother and other women in the village sitting uncomfortably in those huts. I couldn’t understand how my young sister could stay alone there,” he explained. The huts are far from the main house, cramped, with neither proper doors nor windows, forcing women to remain in difficult conditions without freedom of movement. Witnessing women endure this hardship further intensified Tekendra’s dissatisfaction with the tradition.
Hearing news reports about women dying in these huts deeply disturbed him and brought images of the practice in his own village to mind. When it was his sister’s turn, his reluctance turned into a resolute rebellion. “I was shocked to learn that my young sister would have to stay alone in the hut, so I decided not to allow it,” he recalled.
Tekendra received support from his peers and community leaders to prevent his sister from staying in the Chhaupadi hut. Encouraged by this backing, he launched a campaign to dismantle the huts, not just for his sister but also to free other women from this harmful custom. He believes the onset of a girl’s menstruation is a joyous milestone, yet mentally and physically challenging for a young girl. “At such times, family support is essential. But when society advises isolation in the Chhaupadi hut, I found it unbearable,” he said.
Successfully removing his sister from the hut was one of Tekendra’s happiest moments. “That day, I felt immense joy, and so did my sister,” he shared.
Despite facing harsh criticism and accusations from elders and guardians in the village—being charged with breaking tradition or offending deities—Tekendra persevered. His courage inspired others, turning his efforts into a widespread campaign across Ladagad and neighboring villages to dismantle the Chhaupadi huts.
Through this campaign, Tekendra realized that demolishing these huts not only ends discriminatory practices against women but also protects them from violence, harmful customs, and life-threatening dangers. Since the huts were removed, women have been staying safely inside their homes without any issues, refuting concerns raised by traditional elders. Tekendra now believes, “The problem isn’t the huts themselves, but the mindset behind the practice.”
His campaign has gained additional support from empowered women’s groups and the Prosperous Nepal program, with contributions from Dipayal Silgadhi Municipality. Local rights activist Rama Bhandari expressed confidence that Tekendra’s courageous stand will contribute significantly to ending the entrenched Chhaupadi practice in the village.
Author: Sanjay Dhakal Location: BBC News Nepali Published on September 8, 2026, 07:15 +0545
Experts have emphasized the need for new technologies and systems after recognizing the inadequacy of traditional early warning mechanisms in providing timely alerts about disasters like floods caused by glacier blockage in Nepal and Tibet border regions. Although some early warnings about the flood on Bhadra 10 in Tibet were received shortly before the event, many people underestimated it as a regular monsoon flood. Bhaskar Khatriwad, Chairperson of the Nepal Geological Society and a resident geologist in the Trishuli corridor, shared his experience of alerting his father to stay safe after learning about the flood. “The community there is familiar with Trishuli floods. Initially, although I urged my father to be careful, many did not take it seriously and people went to watch the flood. Fortunately, there were no adverse incidents, but this taught us the importance of raising community awareness in the future,” he said.
According to Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, the rapid onset of this “Himalayan tsunami” gave people very limited time to escape. Experts suggest that by employing technological support, implementing new types of early warning systems in the future could better protect lives and property. Field glaciologist Dibas Shrestha of Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology advocates for the use of vibration-measuring technology. “Until now, we’ve relied on traditional flood indicators and monitored river and stream water levels. However, in this instance, we failed to detect changes in water levels. It’s necessary to adopt a new approach,” he stated.
“Sensor systems based on vibration measurement might have been more effective,” Shrestha added, suggesting that in hazard-prone mountainous regions, sensors could detect vibrations to predict geological events. It was a few moments after the Bhotekoshi flood that seismic-like vibrations were detected. “If a strong seismic monitoring network is established, we could detect cracks forming in glaciers and respond to disasters promptly,” he remarked.
Geologist Khatriwad also stressed Nepal’s need for remote monitoring systems. “Current early warning mechanisms have completely failed for these kinds of disasters. We have been forecasting floods by measuring water levels after gauging rainfall amounts, but recent events have alerted us to the need for greater vigilance,” he explained. “Since many communities live in mountainous areas, this needs to become habit. We must not rely solely on traditional observation systems but also incorporate geological studies, remote sensing, camera, and radar technologies for monitoring.”
Experts called for improved information exchange with China, as this flood occurred near the Nepal-China border, necessitating robust cross-border communication and shared alert systems. Vinod Parajuli, Chief of Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, noted that updated information arrived twice daily from China. News about one of the two lakes formed after the Bhadra 10 disaster breaking was received by Nepalese authorities several days later. “The second lake began filling on Saturday evening and started discharging muddy water,” Parajuli reported. Although the risk has since decreased, it has not been fully eliminated. Recently, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal discussed plans to formalize information exchange with China. “During my visit to China, I discussed with relevant counterparts the necessity of establishing a Nepal-China joint mechanism. Protocols for implementation are under exchange,” he said. “The current system is weak. Even when flood risks were detected, the severity was not fully understood. Studies of changes occurring in the Himalayas underscore the importance of collaboration,” Khanal added.
Experts further emphasized the need not only for technological solutions but also for increasing community awareness through alternative communication methods. Despite official warnings about imminent floods, many remained unaware or failed to respond seriously. “We now must enhance community awareness. If people are informed in advance that such disasters could occur where they live, they will change their behavior,” Geological Society Chair Khatriwad said. “Science must be connected with the community.”
Kathmandu, 8 September – Kathmandu Reds secured their second victory in the Nepal Volleyball League (NVL) by defeating Sagarmatha Smashers 3-1 on Tuesday. The match, held at the National Sports Council’s covered hall in Tripureshwor, saw Kathmandu easily take the first set 25-12, gaining an early lead. However, Sagarmatha bounced back to claim the second set 25-22, leveling the match. Kathmandu then won the next two sets 25-18 and 25-20, sealing the victory.
This win marks Kathmandu’s second triumph, while Sagarmatha suffered their second consecutive loss. Following this result, the league has entered an exciting phase. Kathmandu now sits fourth with 5 points from 3 games. With two matches remaining in the league stage, this win could prove crucial. Kathmandu’s upcoming fixtures include matches against the league leaders Karnali Shivraj and Khaptad Falcons.
Sagarmatha, having played 4 games, holds second place with 7 points. They are yet to play their final league game against Annapurna Spiker Kings. Earlier on Tuesday, Madhesh Warriors earned their first win by defeating Khaptad Falcons 3-0. Khaptad has now lost three consecutive games and remains without points. The league will continue with two matches on Wednesday, starting with Annapurna versus Khaptad at 4 pm.
Organized by Kedia Group, this is the inaugural men’s volleyball franchise league featuring six teams competing. After the league stage, the top-ranked team will advance directly to the final, while the second and third-placed teams will compete in a playoff for final entry. The final is scheduled for 13 September, with the winning team receiving a cash prize of 2 million NPR.
September 8, Kathmandu – Education and Sports Minister Sasmita Pokharel and Information and Communication Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina conducted an inspection tour of schools affected by recent floods. The joint ministerial team visited the impacted areas to carry out on-site monitoring of various educational institutions and infrastructure. During the assessment following the devastating floods that struck on August 26, the ministers gathered detailed information about school buildings, educational facilities, and the academic conditions of students. They also engaged in discussions with local government officials, elected representatives, and stakeholders involved in addressing the crisis. The monitoring team included local government leaders and other representatives.
The inspection itinerary began with a visit to the Education Development and Coordination Unit in Bidur. Subsequently, the team observed flood-affected sites in the Pulwari area of Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School. They also visited the holding center at Nyureni Sundari Secondary School, the community multipurpose building, and the Durbar area in Bidur, Nuwakot. The schedule included monitoring the infrastructure of Carvet Hall in Bidur, Chandrayoti Secondary School, and Annapurna Panchakanya Basic School.
During the visit, the team collected firsthand information about damages sustained by educational institutions and infrastructure, the status of school operations, and the effects on students’ learning activities. Discussions with concerned stakeholders focused on necessary measures to facilitate academic activities for the affected schools and students. The severe flooding of the Bhote Koshi River severely affected 15 local levels in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Tanahun districts. The government has declared these local bodies as disaster-stricken areas. Preliminary reports indicate that 19 schools across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading were either fully or partially damaged. Additionally, 16 teachers and 217 students remain unaccounted for, and the education of 9,742 students has been disrupted, according to initial data.
In Kathmandu, the capital city, obtaining LPG gas has become extremely difficult. Prices of rice and lentils vary by store, sugar is scarce and more expensive, and many consumers complain about rising prices. Vegetable prices continue to surge daily.
“These are daily essentials on which the government should easily intervene. The daily life of consumers is becoming difficult,” says Bimala Khanal, chairperson of the consumer advocacy group Consumer Eye Nepal.
“In such scenarios, the government should have prepared in advance and developed alternative strategies. People suffer from disaster-related hardships; even managing the kitchen has become tough. The government was expected to harness the energy of youth and the power of the people,” she adds.
Director General of the Department of Commerce, Supply, and Consumer Protection, Motiram Sapkota, admits, “There have been some supply difficulties due to the disaster,” and acknowledges that approaching festivals has increased “additional pressure” on demand for consumer goods.
He points out, “Complaints about artificial price hikes have increased. We have intensified monitoring in the capital, deploying 11 teams and increased market inspections nationwide.”
Due to mounting market complaints, the Industry, Commerce and Consumer Welfare Committee of the House of Representatives summoned the Industry, Commerce and Supplies Minister and related parties for discussions on Wednesday.
“We have already issued directives to tighten market management and monitoring. We will review compliance and current conditions,” says committee chairman Rahbar Ansari.
“Current problems include rising costs and black marketing. Specifically, importing cylinders from the Terai region has caused significant logistical challenges.”
‘Pricing Based on Consumers’ Faces’
“Since the formation of the new government, inflation has been rising steadily, with a sharp increase in the past week,” explains consumer rights advocate Bimala Khanal.
“Taking advantage of the situation, sugar priced at 120 rupees has surged to 140 rupees in some places, and both cumin and coarse rice prices have risen by 20-30 rupees per kilogram,” she adds.
“The government has silently allowed businesses to arbitrarily set prices for cooking gas. Though the government claims an abundance of gas is entering Nepal, there is significant scarcity in the market. This makes consumers feel the government lacks seriousness.”
Image Source, RSS
The Department of Commerce, Supply, and Consumer Protection, responsible for market monitoring, states that random checks of purchase bills, warehouses, and price lists are being conducted as per regulations.
However, Vishnu Timilsina, general secretary of the Consumer Rights Protection Forum, expresses skepticism about the government based on the current market conditions.
He remarks, “The government claimed to have a three-month sufficient stock of food grains but attributing the shortage to disaster is ‘dishonest.'”
Only a week ago, the Food Management and Trade Company Limited and the Nepal Retailers Association confirmed to have three months’ worth of grain stocks.
“There’s a wide gap between consumers’ experiences and the government’s claims. Sugar that was under 100 rupees two months ago has now become much more expensive,” Timilsina said.
Chairperson Bimala Khanal says, “When the government fails even in simple tasks like enforcing price lists, businesses arbitrarily set prices based on ‘the consumer’s face.'”
Director General Sapkota added that swift action would be taken if price lists are not found for items without a Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
‘State Protection’ of Gas Prices
Image Source, RSS
Image Caption, File Image
Activists accuse the government of committing a crime against consumers by charging additional transportation fees amid a prolonged cooking gas crisis.
Since September 14, the road section at Krishnabhir on the Prithvi Highway has been blocked by a landslide, making it extremely difficult to connect Kathmandu with other regions.
The government has arranged to refill cylinders from gas factories in Bara, Parsa, Makwanpur, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Dhanusha, and Mahottari and transport them to Kathmandu through alternative routes, bypassing gas factories in Kathmandu, Dhading, and Kavre.
In response to rising transportation costs, the Gas Industry Association decided on Thursday to increase the price of cylinders by 105.38 rupees.
Consumer Rights Protection Forum’s Vishnu Timilsina states, “Consumers are forced to buy cylinders under fabricated scarcity. They are compelled to purchase new cylinders and pay higher prices at new companies as well.”
“The government’s silence while businesses charge more than the regulated price is a negligent crime,” he stresses.
Although Nepal reportedly has 17.5 million cooking cylinders, only about 100,000 reach the daily market, raising doubts among consumer advocates about the existence of an actual shortage.
Khanal remarks, “The government claims more gas is entering than daily demand, yet it’s not available through normal channels. What’s the point of having to pay more money just to get it?”
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The Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund currently holds a balance of NPR 876.69 crore across nine Nepali rupee accounts and USD 2,11,84,471 in two US dollar accounts. According to the Ministry of Finance, converting the US dollar holdings at an exchange rate of 150.88 brings the total fund balance to NPR 1,195.17 crore.
The total collection following the Rasuwa–Bhotekoshi floods amounts to NPR 768.44 crore and USD 2,05,22,423. This sum excludes the pre-disaster balance of NPR 208.24 crore. On a single day, Bhadra 23, NPR 30.62 crore and USD 1,12,032 were received.
For relief and rescue operations, NPR 100 million was transferred to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority on Bhadra 16.
