Nepal’s government has launched a large-scale rescue and relief operation after devastating flash floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems caused widespread destruction, claiming dozens of lives and leaving many people missing.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah said saving injured victims, locating missing people and protecting communities affected by the disaster are the government’s immediate priorities.
In a public statement, Shah said the entire state mechanism has been activated to support rescue, search and emergency relief operations following the severe floods that damaged settlements, infrastructure and public facilities across several districts.
The prime minister expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and wished a speedy recovery for those injured in the disaster.
Emergency response activated nationwide
Prime Minister Shah said the government moved quickly after receiving reports of the flooding.
Emergency meetings were held involving the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the National Security Council and the Council of Ministers.
Following these discussions, the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police were deployed to affected areas to support rescue operations, provide security and assist local communities.
Authorities are continuing to collect information on casualties, missing individuals, injuries and property damage in coordination with local governments and elected representatives.
Medical support expanded for flood victims
The government has arranged emergency medical facilities for people injured in the floods.
According to Prime Minister Shah, 100 hospital beds have been reserved at Bir Hospital and the National Trauma Centre in Kathmandu for free treatment of flood victims.
Other major hospitals in the capital have also been placed on standby to provide additional medical support if required.
Medical teams have been sent to affected regions to assist rescue workers and provide emergency healthcare services.
Nepal Scouts, the World Health Organization and other organisations are also supporting relief operations.
The government has coordinated with the Nepal Red Cross Society, Blood Transfusion Centre, provincial health authorities, Lions Club and volunteer groups to ensure the availability of medicines, blood supplies and emergency medical services.
Worst-hit areas identified
Officials said several locations have suffered severe damage from the flash floods.
Among the worst-affected areas are Bidur in Nuwakot; Uttargaya and Gosaikunda in Rasuwa; Gajuri, Galchhi, Benighat, Tripurasundari and Siddhalek in Dhading; and Shahid Lakhan and Gandaki Rural Municipality in Gorkha.
Rescue teams are continuing operations in these areas while authorities assess the full scale of destruction.
Relief supplies and reconstruction plans
Prime Minister Shah said the government will ensure affected communities receive essential supplies including food, drinking water, medicines and temporary shelter.
Authorities are also preparing plans to repair damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, electricity networks and drinking-water systems.
The government said rehabilitation support will be prioritised for families displaced by the floods.
“Entire state machinery and resources are working for you,” Shah said, assuring victims that the government would take responsibility for rescue, treatment, food and shelter.
Call for national unity
The prime minister appealed to political parties, social organisations, business leaders, youth volunteers and citizens to support ongoing rescue and relief activities.
He urged everyone to work together during the national emergency and assist communities affected by one of Nepal’s most serious flood disasters in recent years.
Rescue operations are continuing as authorities search for missing people and work to restore essential services in flood-hit regions.
