Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Nepal Deploys Private Helicopters as Flood Death Toll Reaches 270
Severe floods struck parts of Nepal after the Bhotekoshi River overflowed on Wednesday.
The floods damaged riverside communities in three districts.
Officials said 270 people had died, including after 93 more bodies were recovered.
Thousands of people are still missing.
More than 40 private helicopters carried food and other relief supplies from Kathmandu.
Nepal Army helicopters also rescued people and transported relief materials.
More than 20 helicopters were waiting at the airport to help.
Government officials were preparing to use more helicopters in the emergency.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah visited a badly affected area while workers cleared roads.
More than 40 private helicopter charter flights carried relief supplies from Kathmandu to flood-hit areas, including Rasuwa.
The Nepal Army coordinated the flights, while more than 20 helicopters remained on standby at the airport.
Flash floods along the Bhotekoshi River devastated three districts and killed 270 people, according to Nepal Police.
Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs was preparing to mobilize additional helicopters for rescue and relief operations.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah visited Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot to inspect damage as security personnel and residents cleared blocked roads.
- Who
- The Nepal government, Nepal Army, Nepal Police, security personnel, local residents, private helicopter operators, and Prime Minister Balendra Shah are involved in the response.
- What
- Flash floods caused widespread destruction and killed 270 people, while helicopters delivered supplies and supported rescue operations.
- When
- The floods struck on Wednesday; more than 40 private flights had operated by 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
- Where
- The affected areas include Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, with relief flights departing from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
- Why
- Helicopter flights and road-clearing efforts were organized to rescue civilians, deliver relief supplies, and restore access to flood-hit communities.
- Reported death toll
- 270 people, after 93 additional bodies were recovered.
- Private helicopter flights
- More than 40 charter flights had been completed by 2 p.m. Thursday.
- Helicopters on standby
- More than 20 helicopters remained at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Affected districts
- The flash floods caused widespread devastation across three districts.
- Affected river
- The flooding struck areas along the Bhotekoshi River.
- Flight coordinator
- The Nepal Army coordinated and managed the private helicopter flights.
- Government response
- The Ministry of Home Affairs was preparing to mobilize additional helicopters.
