Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Bhotekoshi Flood Crisis: Nepal PM Shah Calls for Courage
A very large flood struck parts of Nepal on August 26.
It may have started when ice and rocks collapsed near the Nepal-Tibet border.
Many towns and villages were badly damaged.
More than 1,100 people have died, and over 4,800 people are still missing.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah said the country must respond with courage and determination.
Soldiers, police and helicopters are helping rescue people and move them to safer places.
The government is giving medical care, food, shelter and financial help to affected families.
Officials are also trying to restore electricity, water and transportation.
Flash floods after an ice-and-rock collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border devastated northern and central Nepal on August 26.
More than 1,100 people were killed and over 4,800 remain missing, according to the report.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah said rescue and relief efforts require determination, courage and reassurance.
Security agencies, army helicopters and local authorities are conducting rescues, evacuations and relief operations.
The government approved financial assistance, free medical care, and food and shelter while authorities work to restore essential services.
- Who
- Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah, security agencies, local and provincial authorities, and affected residents.
- What
- Flash floods caused widespread destruction, deaths and disappearances, prompting rescue, relief and recovery operations.
- When
- The floods struck on August 26; Shah briefed the House of Representatives on September 2.
- Where
- Northern and central Nepal, particularly Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, after an event near the Nepal-Tibet border.
- Why
- An ice-and-rock collapse or avalanche triggered the floods, according to the report.
- Reported deaths
- Over 1,100 people were killed; recovered bodies listed in the report total 1,118.
- Missing
- More than 4,800 people were reported missing.
- Mainly devastated districts
- Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.
- Government response
- Security agencies and army helicopters are conducting rescue and evacuation operations.
- Relief measures
- Victims’ families are receiving approved financial assistance; injured people are receiving free medical treatment.
- Support for displaced people
- The government is arranging food and shelter.
- Infrastructure recovery
- Local and provincial authorities are working to restore electricity, water supplies and transport links.