Nepal, Japan exchange notes to mark 70 years of relations

 Kathmandu, Sept. 1

Nepal and Japan have exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, in his message to his Japanese counterpart Motegi Toshimitsu, has extended warm greetings and felicitations to the latter and through him to the Government and friendly people of Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement.

FM Khanal appreciated the valuable support received from Japan, which is one of the largest development partners, in Nepal’s development endeavors, and said that substantial engagements at different levels between the two sides in the areas of trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, tourism, education and culture have been growing steadily.

He has also expressed confidence that the enduring multifaceted partnership will be further consolidated and enhanced in the years ahead.

Similarly, Japanese FM Motegi, in his message to FM Khanal, has mentioned that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956, the two countries have deepened cooperation across a wide range of areas, including economy, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges and forged an amicable relationship.

Referring to the opening of the Nagdhunga Tunnel, constructed through Japanese loan assistance, he has said that it would contribute to improving people’s lives and stimulating economic activities in Nepal.

President Ramchandra Paudel had visited Japan in February this year to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Motegi also expressed desire to further promoting exchanges and cooperation between the two countries across a broad range of fields, informed the MoFA.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 2 September 2026.   

NDP to issue 20% share to the public

Kathmandu, Sept. 1

The second annual general meeting of Nepal Development Public Limited (NDP) has approved a proposal to distribute bonus shares equivalent to 2.5 per cent of the company's paid-up capital from the profit earned in the last fiscal year 2025/26. That year, NDP posted a profit of Rs. 73.3 million after tax. The company's total paid-up capital has now reached Rs. 1.18 billion.

It also approved a cash dividend of Rs. 1,557,343 to cover the tax payable on the bonus shares.

The meeting also approved a provision to allocate 20 per cent of the company's issued capital for the general public, and authorised the Board of Directors to merge with or acquire other companies whose objectives are aligned with those of the company. The company was established with an aim to make it a Rs. 10 billion financial institution.

The company statute has been amended to make it able to seek support from international funds such as the Green Climate Fund and blended finance facilities.

Speaking at the meeting held earlier this week, company chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal said that the company was established with the objectives of mobilising investment for large infrastructure projects from domestic capital, sending a message that Nepal has an investment-friendly environment, and creating investment and employment opportunities within the country for young people.

“Economic transformation is possible only if we can mobilise capital scattered across the country and abroad and invest it in productive sectors, major infrastructure and important projects,” he said. According to him, the company's shareholder base has now expanded to all 77 districts of the country.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 2 September 2026.   

Govt asks grieving families for DNA samples

Kathmandu, Sept. 1

The government said that the immediate family members of those missing in the devastating Bhotekoshi floods are requested to contact Nepal Police Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu or nearest District Police Office across the country to send the DNA profiles in order to match with the missing ones.

In the case of those residing abroad, the immediate family members can have their DNA profiles prepared in the country of residence and send it to the Nepal Police.

"The DNA profile is requested to be sent to the official email of the Nepal Police, dnacodis@nepalpolice.gov.np. We have officially communicated this information to the relevant countries through diplomatic channels," Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri informed at a press meet on Tuesday.

As the number of dead bodies and mortal remains kept on growing amidst the lack of preserving facilities, the government had decided to bury them with identification number following the international protocol with a possibility to exhume them when needed.

The floods claimed 1,010 lives and left around 4,000 people still unaccounted for, as of Tuesday afternoon.

Where remains cannot be immediately identified or safely preserved, temporary burial has been carried out after the necessary forensic procedures, including the collection of DNA samples.

According to Chhetri, the process is designed to facilitate identification at a later stage and enable families to receive the mortal remains of their loved ones for final rites once identification is established.

"In view of the difficult circumstances and the increasing number of recovered mortal remains, the concerned authorities are following established protocols for their management and identification," said Chhetri.  

 

21,000 security personnel mobilised

On the seventh day since the catastrophic floods, a unified force of more than 21,000 personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force is engaged in search, rescue, evacuation and relief operations across the affected areas. The devastating floods swept away settlements, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.

At the same time, the government continues to coordinate closely with the immediate neighbours and the wider international community to identify and mobilise specific expertise, equipment and resources required for the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

Specialised tunnel rescue teams from India and China are mobilised at the affected hydropower sites. A team from Republic of Korea has also arrived. According to Chhetri, the Indian tunnel rescue teams are working closely with the Nepali Army at the Chilime and Langtang hydropower sites, while a Chinese team is working in coordination with the Nepali Army at the Upper Trishuli 3A project site.

"We have also received specialised equipment for the management and preservation of mortal remains. A 19-member forensic team from India specialising in DNA analysis continues to work with the concerned Nepali authorities since 29 August. A forensic team of 4 people is arriving from China this evening," said Chhetri.

Meanwhile, coordination is also underway to mobilise a Disaster Victim Identification team from Singapore. The government has also requested for the supply of LiDAR, belly bridges, freezers, DNA testing kits, load carriers, bags for human remains, high-capacity drones, gene sequencer and other items.  

Likewise, the government informed that the scale and extent of the damage caused by the disaster are becoming clear as access has improved and more details are now available.

The scale of damage is currently being assessed by the concerned authorities, including the damage to houses, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure.

Chhetri reiterated that given the magnitude of the destruction, Nepal anticipates requiring substantial international support during the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase. The government will communicate specific requirements through established official channels.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 2 September 2026.   

AFNA calls for unity in time of national crisis

Kathmandu, Sept. 1

The Association of Former Ambassadors of Nepal (AFNA) has called upon political parties, civil society and people to rise above partisan interests and differences and work together in the spirit of national unity and solidarity during the hour of crisis unfolded by the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River last week.

"In times of national crisis, saving lives and protecting the dignity and welfare of the affected people must be the common objective and responsibility of all. AFNA also urges all to contribute to Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund," it said in a statement on Tuesday.

Through the statement issued by Chairman Choplal Bhusal and General Secretary Bhim Udas, AFNA requested the government to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the damage and losses and to ensure that relief and rehabilitation programmes reach affected people promptly, transparently and equitably.

Appreciating the efforts of the government, security forces, local authorities, humanitarian agencies, volunteers and citizens who have been engaged in search, rescue, relief and emergency responses, the association said that special attention should be given to children, women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

It expressed deep sorrow and profound concerns over the loss of human lives, injuries, displacement, and extensive damage of properties including private houses, and public infrastructure. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 2 September 2026.   

FM to work with NRNA in relief works

Kathmandu, Aug. 31

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has expressed the government's commitment to working with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and the international community for their support during the difficult time of disaster.

During a meeting with a delegation led by the NRNA International Coordination Council President Dr. Hem Raj Sharma at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Monday, Minister Khanal welcomed the NRNA's initiative to mobilise Nepali communities abroad by bringing them together and engaging them in disaster management and reconstruction efforts.

He pledged that the MoFA would maintain continuous coordination, cooperation and facilitation with the NRNA in this regard.

Saying that the government alone could not undertake the rehabilitation and reconstruction required after such a major disaster, FM Khanal stressed the need to work with the NRNA and the international community throughout all stages, from relief to rehabilitation and reconstruction.

He said the NRNA could coordinate with local governments and relevant agencies to distribute relief materials and should provide the government with the necessary details both before and after relief distribution.

On the occasion, Dr. Sharma, on behalf of the NRNA, handed over Rs. 10 million to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund. It had announced that it would provide Rs. 50 million in relief and humanitarian assistance to disaster-affected people.

Dr. Sharma said that, alongside addressing the immediate needs of affected families, the association was preparing to provide further support for relief, healthcare and rehabilitation in coordination with the relevant authorities.

 

FM talks to FMs of Singapore, Malaysia

FM Khanal held telephone talk to his counterpart of Singapore Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, and of Malaysia Mohamad Haji Hasan on Monday.  

Dr. Balakrishnan and Hasan expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by the floods and landslides and conveyed Singapore's solidarity with Nepal.

They said that their governments were ready to provide humanitarian assistance based on Nepal's identified needs.

Singapore is also preparing to provide a Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team and drones to support the ongoing search and relief operations, while Malaysia expressed its readiness to provide further assistance based on Nepal's identified needs.

During the conversation, FM Khanal briefed them on the government's efforts in post-disaster search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation. He said the search for missing persons was continuing.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 1 September 2026.   

Govt seeks freezers, DNA kits and drones for Bhotekoshi disaster response

 Kathmandu, Aug. 31

With the growing challenge to manage the dead bodies and mortal remains of the people killed in the devastating Bhotekoshi foods, the government has requested various countries for freezers, DNA testing kits and LiDAR, Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and high-capacity drones.

"We have requested for essential non-food items and services like freezers, DNA testing kits and LiDAR from USA, relief specific items like DVI from Singapore, Bailey bridges and high-capacity drones from China and Singapore," Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri informed at a press meet on Monday.

Some of the similar items are also expected from Japan and the Republic of Korea very soon, he said.

Chhetri reiterated that Nepal immediately needed assistance and support for rescue and relief operations, in areas like tunnel rescue, freezers, LiDAR, DNA and forensic expertise. "Later during the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, we will require a significant level of support, which will be determined by Post Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA)," he said.

So far, Nepal has received airtight bags for the management of the dead bodies while more are also being delivered. A team of 18 forensic experts from India specialising in DNA analysis is here since August 29.

Nepali agencies are working with specialised technical teams for tunnel rescue from India and China in coordination in Mailung (Chilime) and Syafrubesi, and in Upper Trisuli 3A respectively. A team from Republic of Korea is also mobilised.

The government is coordinating with the international community, including the immediate neighbours, for additional support.

According to the MoFA, a coordination to mobilise DVI Team and drones from Singapore is under way.

In a telephone talk with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Monday, Singapore's Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan said that Singapore was ready to provide humanitarian assistance based on Nepal's needs.

Nepal has received rescue support from India, China, Japan, the United States, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and other countries and partners. "Items in this regard include bridge units, freezers, generator sets, solar lamps, DNA testing kits, bridge units, emergency relief equipment as well as tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets and medicines," said Chhetri.

Likewise, the relief materials have been received from India China and the UAE and other countries. More supplies are coming from the UAE, Myanmar, USA, Qatar, UK, Australia, Republic of Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan and other friendly countries and international organisatons and partners like UN, WHO, WFP and UNICEF, informed Chhetri.

"We have also received generous pledges of monetary assistance from our friends and partners from across the world. We deeply value support and assistance in this difficult time, and we are truly grateful," he said.

 

'Rehabilitation support will require'

Chhetri said that since the damage caused by the floods is extensive, a preliminary assessment of the needs is currently under way and a detailed PDNA will be carried out for the actual figures for rehabilitation and reconstruction of those critical infrastructure, like houses, road networks, bridges and hydropower facilities have been damaged.

"We anticipate requiring international assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction. As the assessment progresses, we will communicate specific requirements later," he stated.

Meanwhile, Nepali diplomatic missions are constantly sharing and updating verified information, and facilitating communication with families of the foreigners killed or missing in the disasters. "They are ready to extend any necessary assistance, identification and repatriation procedures," according to the MoFA.

Many foreign nationals are still missing. So, a dedicated Emergency Control Room at the Ministry is coordinating with relevant agencies as well as with the families of missing people.

About 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries are still missing.

After returning from an inspection of the flood-hit areas on Sunday, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said that the ground reality is much more complex and devastating than what people have seen and understood through different mediums.

"The word 'flood' can hardly capture the actual experience and reality during this difficult time," he said.

The MoFA also informed that there has been a regular real-time exchange of information between Nepal and China concerning hydrological and meteorological data, as well as information related to flood risks, avalanches, glacial lakes, water-induced disasters, among others.

By Monday afternoon, 903 bodies have been recovered from the areas while about 4,200 people are still unaccounted for. Over 10,000 people have been rescued from the regions, including over 323 foreign nationals. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 1 September 2026.   

Foreign experts on tunnel rescue, DNA analysis begin work

Kathmandu, Aug. 30

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said that tunnel rescue experts from India, China and Republic of Korea have been mobilised, in coordination with the Nepali Army, to rescue the persons trapped in tunnels of hydropower projects in Rasuwa.     

"The situation is being effectively handled by unified teams of our security and other agencies. Our agencies are working with specialised technical teams for tunnel rescue from India (11 people) and China (9 people) and Republic of Korea," Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai informed at a press meet organised at the Ministry on Sunday.

The government has also received airtight bags for the management of the dead bodies and more are also being delivered. A team of 18 forensics experts from India specialising in DNA analysis has also arrived.

The government is coordinating for additional experts and equipment for the same. However, it is yet to make any estimates for the people trapped in the tunnels of the hydropower projects.

Meanwhile, Rai also expressed concerns over false reports circulating in national and foreign media that Nepal rejected international assistance and support.

"We have requested international support only to cater particular purpose such as tunnel rescue team at this rescue and relief state. We will require a significant level of support in the phase of reconstruction," he said.

He informed that the government has asked for freezers to preserve dead bodies which is a top priority. Support and expertise are also sought for DNA testing, for which, the country needs about 1000 freezers and several personnel for DNA testing.

With regard to the government’s priority for the search, rescue and relief operations, Prime Minister Balendra Shah is engaged in coordinating and supervising this operation.

He had telephone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, while Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal talked to his counterparts and dignitaries of India, China, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Australia, Bangladesh, South Africa, Venezuela and USA, among others.

 

Nepal continues to receive foreign support

Relief and humanitarian assistance are being provided in the affected areas. Nepal has received relief materials from India China and UAE and other countries. Essential items are also being received from the USA, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan and other countries and partners.

"As relief operations continue, further assessments are being made and we will reach out to our neighbours and international partners for additional assistance and support as needed," said Rai.

Given the extensive damage to critical infrastructure, houses, road networks, bridges and hydropower facilities, a detailed assessment of the needs is currently underway for the Post Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA). "We anticipate requiring international assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction. As the assessment progresses, we will communicate specific requirements later," Rai said.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the government is mobilising all resources at its disposal for the search, rescue and relief operations. Separate teams including security personnel, provincial and local governments, medical and emergency responders are continuously working together in the affected areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan Districts to locate, search, rescue and assist them who have been affected and need urgent help.  

It reiterated that the relief operations of the government continue to focus on providing immediate and all necessary assistance, including emergency medical care, food, safe drinking water, temporary shelter and other essential supplies.

 

ECR coordinating for missing foreign people

Stating that in this hour of difficulty, the government continues its close communication and coordination with our immediate neighbours and international community, Rai said that the Emergency Control Room at the MoFA is coordinating with relevant agencies as well as with the families of missing foreign people.  

Nepal's diplomatic missions are also constantly sharing and updating verified information, and facilitating communication with families and extend any necessary assistance, identification and repatriation procedures.  

By Sunday, around 19,000 security personnel and 16 helicopters have been mobilised in the areas affected by the devastating floods occurred in the Bhote Koshi River on August 26.

In view of the rainy season and possible floods, the river systems and downstream flood risks are being continuously monitored. Our systems are on high alert for any additional flood risks and all required coordination is in place.  

Meanwhile, dead bodies and mortal remains have been buried temporarily and can be extracted and provided to the concerned family when they were identified in future, said Rai.

"Following standard and accepted protocols such as those by ICRC, the mortal remains of the dead – especially those not recognisable, amputated and decomposed due to longer time exposure to water – have been temporarily buried," he said.

Medical teams take DNA samples from every victim prior to the burial so that families can match records later, and will be allowed to exhume for necessary rituals.    

Published in The Rising Nepal on 31 August 2026.