Nepal is facing one of its most devastating natural disasters in recent years as the death toll from the Bhotekoshi floods has crossed 1,100. Thousands of people remain missing while rescue, relief and restoration operations continue across several affected districts.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed Nepal's House of Representatives on Wednesday, calling for determination and courage as the country deals with the scale of destruction caused by the disaster.
The floods were triggered after a collapse or avalanche involving ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26. The disaster has caused widespread destruction in towns and villages across northern and central Nepal.
According to figures presented during the parliamentary briefing, more than 1,100 people have died, while over 4,800 people remain missing.
Balendra Shah said the tragedy was not limited to the districts directly affected by the floods and described the disaster as a collective national tragedy. The worst-hit areas include Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, although the impact has extended across several other parts of the country.
The Nepal government has intensified rescue and evacuation efforts, deploying security agencies and emergency teams across the affected regions. Authorities have also urged residents living in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations.
Army helicopters are being used for rescue and evacuation operations in areas that are difficult to reach by road. Private helicopters have also reportedly been placed on standby to support emergency operations if required.
The government has approved financial assistance for the families of people who died in the disaster and declared the affected regions crisis-hit for three months. Injured survivors are receiving free medical treatment, while authorities are arranging food, temporary shelter and other essential support for displaced families.
Restoration efforts are also underway as local, provincial and national authorities work together to repair damaged infrastructure. Teams are attempting to restore electricity, drinking water supplies and transport connections in areas where roads and other infrastructure have been severely affected.
According to Nepal Police figures cited during the briefing, bodies have been recovered from several districts. Chitwan recorded the highest number of recovered bodies, followed by Nawalparasi East, Nawalparasi West and Nuwakot.
Other affected districts include Gorkha, Dhading, Rasuwa and Tanahu, highlighting the extensive geographical impact of the disaster.
The Bhotekoshi floods have created an enormous humanitarian challenge for Nepal, with thousands of people still unaccounted for and many communities struggling with damaged homes, disrupted infrastructure and limited access to essential services.
The immediate focus remains on locating missing people, evacuating residents from vulnerable areas and providing food, shelter and medical assistance to survivors.
As Nepal continues its rescue and recovery efforts, the government faces the long-term challenge of rebuilding communities and restoring essential infrastructure across the flood-hit regions.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah's message to Parliament reflected the scale of the national crisis, stressing that the country must remain united and determined while responding to the humanitarian disaster and supporting the thousands of families affected by the Bhotekoshi floods.
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