Bhotekoshi torrent is stark reminder of grave climate risk

 Foreign Minister Khanal briefs diplomatic community

 

Kathmandu, Sept. 3

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said to the diplomatic community that the Bhotekoshi disaster should be viewed not only as an immediate humanitarian crisis but also in the context of increasing climate risks in the Himalayan region.

The disaster had highlighted the vulnerability of the Himalayan region, the particular risks faced by mountainous countries and the effects of rising temperatures, he said at the maiden briefing to the diplomatic community based in Kathmandu on the catastrophic Bhotekoshi floods at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Thursday.

"This disaster carries a deeper significance beyond the immediate emergency. It is another stark reminder of the fragility of the Himalayan region, the particular vulnerabilities of mountainous countries, and the growing consequences of a rapidly warming climate," he said.

Reiterating that Nepal made a negligible contribution to global emissions but faces significant impacts from a warming Himalayan region, the Minister said, "We have continued to raise international awareness of the challenges facing the Himalayan region through initiatives including the first edition of the Sagarmatha Dialogue and its international climate commitments."

FM Khanal called for climate justice, effective early-warning systems, disaster preparedness and disaster-resilient reconstruction to be translated from commitments into action. He also said Nepal had written to the co-chairs of the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund seeking immediate support.

According to the MoFA, ambassadors, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions, and representatives of international organisations, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and United Nations, attended the briefing.

The Foreign Ministry organised the briefing as the country entered the ninth day of the disaster and received substantive support and pledges for the same from the neighbours and international community.

FM Khanal briefed them on the situation following the flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa district, on the Nepal-China border, on August 26, and search and rescue operations executed by the government, the situation of foreign nationals and international assistance.

He described the disaster as a 'Himalayan Tsunami', saying Nepal had not experienced a disaster of this magnitude in recent history. According to him, the flood travelled from Rasuwa through the Trishuli River into the Narayani River system, affecting communities and infrastructure in parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan.

FM Khanal said the situation on the ground was more serious than could be conveyed through photographs and reiterated that the event was not a conventional flood.

The death toll as well as the number of missing is continuously going up while rescuing them and those trapped in the hydropower tunnels has been arduous. The floods carried large volumes of water, mud and debris downstream within minutes causing damage to areas further downstream.

Saving lives a priority

Informing that the government is studying the causes and developments of the disaster with the assistance of technical experts, FM Khanal stressed the priorities were saving lives, search and rescue operations, and ensuring the safety of foreign nationals.

More than 21,000 security personnel from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been deployed for search, rescue and relief operations. Federal, provincial and local authorities, health workers, emergency responders, volunteers and local communities have also been involved in the operations.

Likewise, the Minister said that the government has prioritised the safety and welfare of foreign nationals. The MoFA has been coordinating with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Nepal Police, Nepal Tourism Board, Nepali diplomatic missions abroad and families of missing foreign nationals.

An Emergency Control Room established at the MoFA and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad have been providing families with verified information, assisting with identification procedures and arranging repatriation where required.

Assessment of damage has begun

Foreign Minister Khanal updated the diplomatic community that the government has begun an initial assessment of damage to homes, roads, bridges, hydropower projects and other infrastructure. A Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) will determine the extent of the damage and the resources required for rehabilitation and reconstruction.

"Initial estimates indicated that significant resources would be required to rebuild structures damaged by the Bhotekoshi flood. Following the detailed assessment, the government will formally inform international partners of the resources required for reconstruction and seek support for rehabilitation and reconstruction," he said.

According to him, immediate measures have been taken to relocate affected communities, restore essential services and provide assistance to affected families. Affected local governments had been declared disaster-affected areas for three months.

Similarly, he stated that the government was committed to managing international assistance on the basis of transparency, accountability and clearly defined areas of need. Monetary assistance is being channelled through the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF).

Khanal thanked India, China, South Korea, Japan, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Latvia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Norway, Israel, Canada, Sri Lanka, Thailand and New Zealand for their assistance.

He also thanked the European Union, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, United Nations and other international organisations and partner countries for their support. International assistance has included rescue expertise, equipment, logistics, medical and forensic assistance and financial support.

 

'Nepal is safe, open to visitors'

Stating that although the Bhotekoshi flood had caused significant damage, its impact was geographically limited with parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading being hard-hit, other parts of Nepal remained safe and fully open. Airports across the country were operating normally.

Major tourist destinations, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Janakpur, the Annapurna region, the Everest region and Bardiya, remained open to visitors.

"Tourism is an important source of livelihood for Nepali people and local communities and stressed the need to maintain tourist arrivals during the disaster response period," he said, urging diplomatic missions to inform their citizens and governments that Nepal remained safe and open to visitors.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 4 September 2026.