2 days ago
Nepal Issues Fresh Flood Alert As Bhotekoshi River Rises
Nepal sent new flood warnings after the Bhotekoshi River rose.
The warnings came only days after devastating floods hit Nepal and Tibet.
Hundreds of people died, and thousands were still missing.
Many homes, bridges, roads and power lines were destroyed.
Some survivors returned to search through the mud for belongings and animals.
Repeated alarms made some residents tired and scared because they had to move to higher ground.
Scientists said a glacier and rocks collapsed, pushing water and rocks into rivers.
They said climate change may make similar disasters more likely, but it is too early to say it caused this particular flood.
Nepal issued fresh flood warnings Sunday after water levels rose in the Bhotekoshi River.
Nepal reported 788 deaths and 2,502 missing, while China reported 16 deaths and 546 missing.
Residents in Dhading returned to destroyed homes to salvage belongings amid mud, rubble and collapsed infrastructure.
Flooding damaged bridges, electricity networks, a major power plant and sections of the Prithivi Highway.
The floods followed a glacial collapse, while Malaysia pledged a rescue team and $1 million in aid.
- Who
- People in Nepal and Tibet were affected; Nepalese authorities issued warnings, and Malaysia offered assistance.
- What
- A glacial-collapse disaster caused catastrophic flooding, followed by warnings of possible fresh flooding.
- Where
- The flooding affected Nepal and Tibet, including Dhading, Galchhi, the Bhotekoshi River area and routes toward Kathmandu.
- When
- The main floods began Wednesday, August 26, 2026; fresh warnings were issued Sunday, August 30.
- Why
- A glacial collapse and rockfall sent melted water and debris into rivers; the latest warning followed increased upstream water flow.
Officials and Climate Concerns
Residents and Scientific Caution
Repeated flood warnings
Officials and Climate Concerns
Nepalese authorities urged residents in affected districts to remain on high alert after receiving information about increased upstream water flow.
Residents and Scientific Caution
Residents said near-constant alarms were difficult to interpret and forced them to repeatedly flee to higher ground, sometimes at night.
Climate change connection
Officials and Climate Concerns
Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal was bearing a disproportionate share of climate-change impacts and called for a global response.
Residents and Scientific Caution
Scientists said it was too early to establish a direct connection between global warming and this specific catastrophe, while noting that warming can increase the chances of similar disasters.
Key facts
- Nepal death toll
- Nepal's disaster agency reported 788 deaths.
- Missing people
- Nepal reported 2,502 missing; Chinese authorities reported 546 missing on the Chinese side.
- Fresh flood threat
- Authorities issued alerts after water levels rose in the Bhotekoshi River and upstream water flow increased.
- Infrastructure damage
- Homes, bridges, power lines, a major power plant and sections of the Prithivi Highway were damaged.
- Highway importance
- The Prithivi Highway is a crucial route for food, fuel and other goods entering Kathmandu.
- Foreign assistance
- Malaysia pledged a search-and-rescue team and $1 million in aid to Nepal.
- Scientific assessment
- Scientists said it was too early to directly link the catastrophe to global warming, though warming can increase the risk of similar disasters.
Quotes
Sharmila Tamang
A Dhading resident salvaging belongings from her flood-damaged home
“Sometimes they say a flood is coming, then we have to run again to higher ground, even at night. There is also rain. It's really difficult for me. I have a 72-year-old father and 70-year-old mom. I must carry them and I am exhausted. It's going on like this for those who are still alive.”
NDTV
news18.com
“Despite having only 0.1 percent contribution to the global emissions, people of Nepal have become major victims of climate change.”
NDTV
news18.com
Sources
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