Nepal Police Deny Social Media Claims of Hoarding Flood Relief Materials

Nepal Police has strongly denied social media claims alleging that security agencies hoarded relief materials meant for victims of devastating flash floods, warning that the spread of unverified information could undermine disaster response efforts and create distrust among the public.

The police statement came after allegations surfaced on social media claiming that relief supplies for flood victims were being stored inside Army and police installations instead of being distributed to affected communities.

According to Nepal Police, the claims are baseless, fabricated and misleading. The force said personnel from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been working continuously on search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations since devastating floods struck several parts of Nepal.

The police said security personnel have been involved in rescuing stranded people, searching for missing persons, providing medical assistance to injured victims, recovering bodies and distributing relief supplies in affected areas.

Nepal Police also rejected allegations that relief materials were allowed to deteriorate while being kept inside security installations. It clarified that it does not have relief materials stored in its possession and urged people to avoid sharing rumours or unverified claims during the ongoing disaster response.

The controversy followed allegations by CPN (UML) Secretary Mahesh Basnet, who claimed that relief materials were being kept inside Army and police barracks and offices. He also alleged that some food supplies had been allowed to rot while flood victims faced shortages of essential items.

Nepal Police said misinformation during a humanitarian crisis could negatively affect the morale of security personnel working in difficult conditions. It warned that false claims could also create unnecessary public distrust towards agencies involved in rescue and relief operations.

The devastating floods were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, causing the Bhotekoshi River to swell and rage downstream. The disaster damaged homes, vehicles, roads, bridges and hydropower projects across northern and central Nepal.

Several districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, suffered significant damage and loss of life. The disaster also left thousands of people missing and forced authorities to continue large-scale search, rescue and relief operations.

Nepal Police said security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and providing humanitarian assistance in flood-hit areas. The force appealed to the public to rely on verified information and avoid circulating rumours that could create confusion or hamper sensitive disaster-management efforts.

As rescue and relief operations continue across affected regions, Nepal Police has reiterated that cooperation and accurate information are essential to ensuring that assistance reaches people affected by the disaster.