Nepal Prime Minister Balendra ‘Balen’ Shah has thanked India, China and the United States for their prompt assistance following the devastating flash floods along the Bhotkoshi River that have killed more than 1,200 people and left thousands missing.
Addressing Parliament, Shah said international assistance had helped Nepal respond to the disaster, which caused widespread destruction across several districts, sweeping away villages, roads and power infrastructure. The death toll reached 1,204 by Wednesday evening, while more than 4,200 people remained unaccounted for. The missing include 275 Indian pilgrims and tourists, as rescue teams continue search operations in the affected areas.
“In these difficult times, we got support from various countries, including India, China, the US, and others,” Shah said, while also acknowledging assistance from banks and other institutions.
Nepal Seeks Climate Compensation
Shah’s remarks came as Kathmandu steps up efforts to secure international support for disaster recovery. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal recently said Nepal was seeking compensation from major greenhouse-gas emitters for climate-related disasters. He argued that post-disaster assistance should be considered a matter of “moral liability” rather than charity.
Nepal has launched a diplomatic campaign to seek financial assistance for relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation following the massive destruction caused by the floods.
India Sends Relief, Rescue Teams
India has emerged as one of the key contributors to Nepal’s relief operations. Since August 26, New Delhi has sent several consignments of emergency supplies, with Indian Air Force aircraft carrying blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets and hygiene kits to flood-hit areas.
The relief material also includes medicines, food packets, solar lamps, water-purification tablets and portable generators.
India has additionally deployed specialised rescue teams and equipment to assist Nepali authorities, including operations around damaged hydropower tunnels. Indian personnel are also helping with forensic procedures involving the identification and handling of victims and missing persons.
China Reopens Vital Border Route
China has continued rescue and recovery efforts on the Tibet side of the border while supporting access to the disaster zone.
Beijing has reopened the key road leading to the Gyirong border crossing after floodwaters washed away sections of the route. The reopening has allowed heavy machinery to move into the affected region, improving access for ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
With thousands of people still missing and large-scale infrastructure damage reported, Nepal’s authorities are continuing search efforts while seeking further international assistance for the recovery process.
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