Financial contribution, foreign support for flood-victims continues

Kathmandu, Sept. 8

Business institutions, social organisations and individuals continue to contribute financial support to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF) increasing the size of fund to above Rs. 11 billion.

The Dugar Group has contributed Rs. 11.1 million to the Fund for the support of the people affected by the devastating Bhotekoshi floods that occurred on August 26. Chairman of the Group Motilal Dugar and other officials handed over a cheque bearing the amount to Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle.

Likewise, NIMB Ace Capital Limited and NIBL Equity Partners have provided CSR assistance of Rs. 2.1 million to the PMDRF for the search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation of citizens affected by the floods in in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan and other districts.

Alongside the company's own contribution, investee portfolio companies of NIBL Equity Partners have collectively committed approximately Rs. 3.5 million in cash, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Pubg Mobile Nepal has provided a range of essential materials, including food supplies, blankets, solar emergency lights, and hygiene products.

The materials have been handed over to Galchhi Rural Municipality, which will coordinate further distribution of the supplies to flood-affected communities in Nuwakot and Rasuwa, the company said.

Similarly, Nepal Women Entrepreneurs Association, Jhapa, has provided financial assistance of Rs. 25,505 to the PMDRF. Chairperson of the Association Aishwarya Pandey, said the funds were collected from the members and other people.

Casino Mahjong donates Rs. 4.423 million

Casino Mahjong Kathmandu, Nepalgunj and Birgunj have donated Rs. 4.423 million to families affected by the Bhotekoshi flash flood.

Casino Mahjong Chairman Binod Shrestha handed over the donation to Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Khadak Raj Paudel.

The contribution came through a joint initiative involving Casino Mahjong branches all around Nepal, staff members, and the Bir Gorkha Security Service.

According to Casino Mahjong, the donation is intended to provide relief and support to families affected by the flood and help them rebuild.

 

Fourth lot of Chinese support arrives

The Fourth Batch of China-Aid Emergency Relief Supplies have arrived in in Kathmandu on Tuesday at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, aboard a Y-20A large transport aircraft of the PLA Air Force of China.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming and Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun attended the handover ceremony for the relief supplies, informed the Embassy of China.

The new batch of relief supplies mainly includes rescue hovercrafts, stainless steel permanent magnet flood pumps, spare batteries, mortuary freezers, and solar powered lights.

According to the Embassy, all items are tailored to Nepal's most urgent needs, and will provide strong support for emergency rescue operations and subsequent work in the disaster affected areas.

Germany announces support worth 8 M Euros

Germany has announced more than 8 million euros in emergency relief and development support for communities affected by the Rasuwa flash floods.

Expressing solidarity with Nepal, the German government stated its support would focus on immediate humanitarian needs as well as longer-term recovery and resilience building.

According to the German government, an estimated 511,000 euros worth of emergency materials will be provided through Germany’s Technisches Hilfswerk (THW), the German federal state of Thuringia and the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG).

It is also stated that the emergency assistance is being coordinated by the European Union in Nepal.

Germany is also providing 200,000 Euro in humanitarian assistance through locally based non-governmental organisations working directly with communities affected by the disaster.

In addition, Germany has committed 7.35 million Euro in development cooperation aimed at strengthening health services, clean energy and climate adaptation.

Earlier, on Monday, the first flight carrying assistance donated by Norway through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism landed in Kathmandu, delivering medical, energy and technical equipment.

At the airport, EU ECHO's Rapid Response Coordinator Asia and Pacific Isabelle D’Haudt formally handed over the shipment to the Minister for Science and Technology Mahabir Pun. This marks an important step in the ongoing international response, with more flights from participating countries are expected to arrive later this week, informed the European Union.

 

NRNA continues humanitarian campaign

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has continued its relief and humanitarian assistance campaign for people affected by the Bhotekoshi floods in Rasuwa and Nuwakot.

It held discussions with the Nepal Red Cross Society on strengthening relief, health services and humanitarian assistance in the flood- and landslide-affected areas. The two organisations agreed to assess local needs and focus assistance on areas where gaps have been identified, the NRNA informed in a statement. Activities will be carried out in coordination with local governments, the Red Cross and local partners in areas including Tupche of Nuwakot and Timure of Rasuwa.

The NRNA has agreed to provide up to Rs. 500,000 for local-level relief and humanitarian assistance. Rajendra Kumar Raut, CEO of the NRNA, and Sagar Shrestha, director of disaster management at the NRCS, have been designated as focal persons to coordinate the response.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the NRNA handed Rs. 2 million donated by its National Coordination Council Russia to FM Dr. Wagle for relief and rescue operations. The association has so far provided Rs. 12 million to the government and distributed relief materials worth around Rs. 10 million in affected areas, it said.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 9 September 2026.   

Nepal safe for travel: Foreign Ministry

Kathmandu, Sept. 6

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said on Sunday that it is working in close coordination with the friendly countries to ensure that their travel advisories are confined only to the flood affected areas.

"The Ministry, along with its missions abroad, is working in close coordination with all friendly countries to ensure that the travel advisories are confined only to the specific flood-affected areas, while highlighting that the rest of the country remains open and safe for travel and tourism," it said.

Foreign Ministry's response comes at a time when many tourist source countries have issued travel advisories cautioning their citizens not to visit Nepal or apply cautions. Although a very small part of the country is affected by the devastating floods, rest of the country – including Annapurna, Sagarmatha and other mountain region, and all the national parks and heritages, is open and safe for travel and other activities.

Tourism entrepreneurs have been expressing their concerns to the government on this matter.

105 Nepali nationals return

The MoFA also informed in its daily update on Friday that 105 Nepali nationals returned to Nepal on Sunday through the Tatopani border point with China.

"The Ministry and our Missions in China are closely coordinating with the Chinese authorities to facilitate the safe return of Nepali nationals affected by the flood who wish to return to Nepal," it said.

A total of 431 Nepali nationals have returned to Nepal through the Tatopani border point as of Saturday.

Likewise, the MoFA has directed all Nepali missions abroad to utilise their Miscellaneous Accounts, or open new accounts in accordance with existing rules, to collect relief contributions from where direct contributions to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF) are not feasible or exceed prescribed transaction limits.

Nepali diaspora, foreign nationals, local organisations and community groups can contribute to these accounts.

It has also asked them to maintain daily records and transfer the accumulated funds monthly to the PMDRF.

Meanwhile, Thailand's relief supplies to the people affected by the Bhotekoshi flood arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday.

The relief supplies were prepared in accordance with the priority needs identified by the government of Nepal. They include tents, sleeping bags, personal protective equipment (PPE), generators and other essential relief materials. The consignment weighs about to 6.44 tonnes, Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok informed on Saturday.

The support items were handed over to Nepal's ambassador Dhan Bahadur Oli in Bangkok by the representative of the king and queen of Thailand.

Meanwhile, cricketer Aimal Khan of Sagarmatha Smashers dedicated his Player of the Match cash prize of Rs. 20,000 to the PMDRF. He also said he is standing together during Nepal's flood. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 7 September 2026.   

South Korea ready to support post-disaster reconstruction

Kathmandu, Sept. 6

Foreign Minister of South Korea, Cho Hyun, has said that his government was willing to provide the necessary support for Nepal’s post-disaster reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

Ina meeting with Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal at the latter's office at Singha Durbar on Sunday, he highlighted the international community’s historic responsibility for the loss of life, property and infrastructure suffered by countries such as Nepal as a result of climate change.

Minister Cho stressed the need for Nepal and Korea to work together to make the global community more aware and responsive to the impacts of climate change and the disasters it causes, the Secretariat of FM Khanal informed in a statement.

Likewise, Cho said Nepal and the Republic of Korea should jointly raise their voices at international forums, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), on the challenges and losses faced by countries such as Nepal due to climate change.

According to the Foreign Ministry, he also pledged that South Korea would raise its voice in support of Nepal’s efforts to secure financial assistance from the international community for losses caused by climate change.

During the meeting, both foreign ministers expressed their commitment to continuing close cooperation to further strengthen and broaden the long-standing friendly relations, mutual trust, understanding and cooperation between the two countries, and to elevate bilateral ties to a new level.

On the occasion, the two ministers discussed on a range of issues, including the ongoing search, rescue and relief operations following the devastating Bhotekoshi floods in Nepal, as well as various aspects of bilateral relations.

They held serious discussions on the search and rescue efforts for Korean nationals who went missing following the devastating flooding of the Bhotekoshi River on August 26. Nine Korean nationals are said to be missing in the floods or trapped in the tunnel of Upper Trishuli 1 Hydropower Project.

On the occasion, FM Khanal expressed his gratitude to South Korea for deploying an inter-agency rapid response team and a Korea Disaster Relief Team to assist search and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas, and sending humanitarian assistance.

Noting that the government has accorded high priority to post-disaster reconstruction, Minister Khanal said reconstruction would be carried out in accordance with the concept of ‘build back better’, with a focus on developing sustainable and resilient infrastructure to minimise damage from similar disasters in the future.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 7 September 2026.   

Govt announces waivers on customs duty, loan interest and taxes for flood-hit businesses

 Cabinet approves business recovery package

 

Kathmandu, Sept. 3

The government has announced a business recovery package, for the businesses and industries affected by the Bhotekoshi flood, with a full custom duty waiver for the import replacements of the plants or equipment that were destroyed beyond repair.

Such waiver will be applied for the machines and equipment of the same type and up to the quantity destroyed.

As per the full text of the package endorsed by the Cabinet on Thursday, owners of commercial vehicles and means of transport damaged beyond repair or lost in the floods will be allowed to cancel their registration and re-import similar vehicles without paying customs duties.

Similarly, importers whose goods were destroyed by the August 26 floods before reaching their destination will be allowed to adjust the customs duties they had already paid. The facility will apply if replacement goods of the same type are imported through any customs office within six months, read the text shared by the Ministry of Finance (MoF). The Department of Customs will make arrangements to implement these provisions.

Likewise, the government has announced measures to speed up insurance claim assessments and settlements for businesses and individuals affected by the floods.

Under the package, the National Insurance Authority (NIA) is directed to make arrangements to deploy surveyors through a simplified procedure to expedite the assessment of flood-related insurance claims.

"Insured individuals and businesses will also be eligible for advance payments of up to 50 per cent of their claims based on preliminary assessment reports. Reinsurers will similarly be required to provide insurers with advance payments of up to 50 per cent," according to the package.

Likewise, insurers have also been directed to promptly introduce a simplified procedure for settling flood-related insurance claims to make the process faster and more efficient.

 

Loan and interest relief

The government has announced a series of loan and interest relief measures for borrowers affected by the Bhotekoshi floods, aimed at supporting business recovery and ensuring continuity of economic activities. These measures will be arranged and implemented by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).

As per the package, Banks and Financial Institutions (BFIs) can restructure or reschedule the loan or extend the repayment period for principal and interest for the borrowers whose goods being imported through the Rasuwagadhi Customs had been damaged.

However, this facility will be provided on the basis of the nature of the business and goods, the extent of damage and insurance claims, among other factors.

Similarly, flood-affected borrowers will also be eligible for a one-off restructuring or rescheduling of loans taken from the BFIs, along with an extension of the repayment period for principal and interest.

"Banks will also provide loans to businesses seeking to replace commercial vehicles, transport equipment, machinery or other equipment damaged by the floods. Such loans will be available at the bank's base rate plus the prescribed minimum premium," said the government while also pledging to review the applicable loan-to-value ratio of such lending.

For one year, flood-affected borrowers will be charged the lower of either the bank's base rate plus a 0.5 percentage-point premium or the rate resulting from adding the existing premium to the bank's base rate.

The central bank will also allow banks to provide additional loans, at borrowers' request, to support the recovery of industries and businesses or protect employment. Such loans may be paid directly into the account of the relevant third party.

 

Tax waivers for businesses

Meanwhile, the government also announced a range of tax relief measures for taxpayers affected by the Bhotekoshi floods, including an extension of tax filing and payment deadlines and simplified procedures for claiming VAT on damaged business assets.

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is directed to extend the deadline for the submission of VAT, income tax, and excise duty for flood-affected businesses and individuals until November 11.

It will also simplify the procedure for adjusting VAT claims on business assets damaged by the floods.

Likewise, businesses will be allowed to deduct the value of assets completely destroyed by the floods as a lump-sum expense for tax purposes while for partially damaged depreciable assets, the limit on deductions for repair and improvement costs will not apply when calculating taxable income for FY 2025/26.

Individuals directly affected by the floods will get full exemption from income tax for this year. The government said that it will further request provincial and local governments to provide concessions for a specified period on property tax, business tax, building plan approval fees and other local charges related to flood-damaged businesses and property.

In addition, contributions made by business institutions to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF) in fiscal year 2026/27 from the funds set aside for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) will be recognised as CSR expenditure.

The relevant authorities have been directed to amend the applicable laws, regulations and guidelines to facilitate this arrangement.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 4 September 2026.   

Two individuals rescued

Kathmandu, Sept. 5

On the 11th day after the devastating flood struck the Bhotekoshi River, 64-year-old Chandrika Shrestha was rescued from the house of Ananda Shrestha in Betrawati in Nuwakot.

Shrestha, a resident of Bidur–10, Nuwakot, was rescued by a team of the Armed Police Force, led by Inspector Suman BK. She was found unconscious. Following the rescue, she is being airlifted to the Nepali Army’s Maithili Barracks in Trishuli.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, she will be brought to Kathmandu for further medical care, if necessary.

Meanwhile, a Chinese national has been rescued from Audit 4 Tunnel of the Upper Trishuli 1 (216 MW) hydropower project, which was affected by the flood.

The person was rescued from the tunnel shortly before by a joint team from the Nepali Army and a disaster expert team from South Korea. He was also taken to the Maithili Barracks.

The NDRRMA informed in its updates on Saturday evening that the death toll in the floods has reached 1,331 while about 5,000 – including 589 foreign nationals and 100 security personnel – are left unaccounted for. Ninety-eight dead bodies and mortal remains have been handed over to the concerned families.

So far, 5,929 individuals receiving injuries in the floods have undergone treatment, while 3982 are staying in 41 holding centres in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Kathmandu districts.

Likewise, over 21,400 security personnel have been mobilised at various locations for rescue and relief operations. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 6 September 2026.   

Bhotekoshi torrent hit 32,933 people, 7,570 houses

NDRRMA is finalising Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment report

 

Kathmandu, Sept. 5

A preliminary assessment conducted under the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) has indicated that about 32,933 people were affected by the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River on August 26.

It damaged or affected about 7,570 houses, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed on Saturday.

Similarly, 55 kilometers of roads, 37 motorable bridges, and 68 suspension bridges have been destructed. The Department of Roads had informed earlier last week that the floods inflicted damage worth Rs. 20 billion to roads and motorable bridges alone.

The floods termed 'Himalayan Tsunami' damaged about 1,806 hectares of agricultural land, 13 hydropower projects, one solar power plant and two transmission lines. The assessment further indicates that 783 MW of hydropower generation capacity has been affected.

The complete report has not been published yet. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) informed that the expert team is working on the finalisation of the report which is likely to be ready by Sunday.

"Given the scale and extent of the damage caused by this disaster, a comprehensive Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) is being simultaneously undertaken to determine the full extent of loss and damage and the costs for rebuilding and reconstruction," the MoFA informed in a statement.

Meanwhile, the authorities are working on restoring road, electricity and telecommunication connectivity to the affected areas and on ensuring timely delivery of relief materials to the affected people.

According to the MoFA, the Nepali Army, together with a team of engineers, is working to restore the Galchhi–Trishuli Road by constructing a temporary bridge over the Tadi River. In addition, two cable pulleys have been made operational, one at Trishuli Indrenighat and the other at Devighat.

Experts arrive from Malaysia, Australia

Likewise, A 15-member Disaster Assistance and Response Team (DART) from Australia arrived here on Friday, while an 11-member Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) from Malaysia arrived on Saturday morning.

Tunnel rescue teams from India, China and Republic of Korea continue to work in coordination with the Nepali security agencies. Rescue support equipment, drones, load carriers and materials received from neighbours, friendly countries and international community are being used for these operations.

Additional equipment and technical personnel are being deployed to continue search and rescue operations at the affected hydropower projects, including Upper Trishuli 1, Upper Trishuli 3A, Upper Trishuli 3B, U216 Haku, Chilime and Langtang, among others.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry informed that 127 Nepali nationals who were stuck in Tibet due to the disaster or affected by it returned to Nepal on Saturday via Tatopani border point.

A total of 155 Nepalis had returned home on Friday through Tatopani. Earlier, a group of Nepalis were brought to Nepal via Korala border point with the coordination between Nepali missions in China and Chinese authorities.

As the Rasuwagadhi-Keyrung border is completely swept in the floods, tourists and pilgrims visiting pilgrims are also taking the Tatopani route to return to Nepal.

 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 6 September 2026.   

FCAN to construct suspension bridge to connect Dhunge with Trishuli

Kathmandu, Sept. 5

The Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN) has said that it will construct a suspension bridge over the Trishuli River to link Dhunge with Trishuli Bazar.

After the devastating floods swept away the motorable bridge connecting the two settlements, connectivity has completely disconnected.

"Following the field inspection, the Federation has given high priority to the construction of a 250-metre suspension bridge linking the lower section of the Buddha Temple in Dhunge with Trishuli Bazaar," the FCAN informed in a statement after its delegation completed an on-site assessment of the damage caused by the floods.

The delegation, led by FCAN President Nicholas Pandey, together with representatives of the Nuwakot Contractors’ Association, gathered information on the extensive damage caused by the floods in areas including Devighat, Dhunge, Gerkhutar and Shubhaghat.

It concluded that more than 50,000 people in Nuwakot and neighbouring districts would benefit from the bridge and has therefore prioritised its construction in coordination with the Ministry of Infrastructure.

The suspension bridge is estimated to cost about Rs. 12 million to Rs. 13.5 million and is said to be completed in one and a half months.

Pandey said construction of the bridge would be taken forward in consultation with technical experts from the ministry. Local residents said the bridge would restore connectivity to areas that have been cut off, including Nuwakot District Hospital, Kispang and Meghang rural municipalities, and parts of Wards 7, 8, 9 and 3 of Bidur Municipality, benefiting thousands of people.

 

Devkota donates Rs. 5 million

Meanwhile, our Sulikot correspondent in Gorkha reported that former joint-secretary of the government Loknath Devkota has donated Rs. 5 million to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund to support the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of citizens affected by natural disasters.

Expressing his sorrow over the significant loss of life and property caused by floods, landslides and inundation in parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan and Nawalpur following the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River on August 26, Devkota handed over the cheque bearing the amount to Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle with the aim of supporting people affected by the disaster.

Stating that both the state and citizens have a shared responsibility during difficult times of disaster, Devkota said he had made the contribution to support the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of people affected by floods, landslides and inundation who have been forced to endure difficult living conditions.

Devkota, whose permanent home is in Palungtar Municipality–2 of Gorkha, also appealed to citizens, industrialists and businesspeople, social organisations and all those willing to help to contribute as much as they can from their respective positions towards rescue, relief and reconstruction efforts during this time of crisis.

Likewise, our Jajarkot correspondent reported the Samriddhi Women’s Development Group based in Nalgad Municipality–5 of the district has donated Rs 24,084 to support people affected by floods and landslides in the Rasuwa and Bhotekoshi areas. The group’s office-bearers and members collectively raised the money and deposited it into the PMDRF.

Group Chairperson Ram Maya Hamal said the donation was made to stand in solidarity with people affected by the disaster, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by the floods and landslides.

Meanwhile, Chhedagad Municipality of Jajarkot has announced financial assistance of Rs 200,000 for the relief of flood victims in Rasuwa, Deputy Mayor Chandra Bahadur Thapa informed. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 6 September 2026.