Kathmandu, September 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Nepal is observing a national day of mourning on Monday to honour the victims of the devastating flash floods that struck the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa district on August 26.
The Cabinet, at its September 3 meeting, decided to observe the day in memory of those who lost their lives in the disaster. The national flag was flown at half-mast at government offices across Nepal, as well as at Nepali embassies and diplomatic missions abroad.
According to Nepal Police, 1,353 bodies had been recovered by Sunday evening. The recovered remains included 530 men and 328 women, while 495 bodies were recovered in parts and remained unidentified.
Police said 3,992 people were still out of contact, including 595 foreign nationals. Of the recovered bodies, 1,044 had been buried, while identification and management of the remaining remains were continuing.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah, in an emotional social media message, urged elderly people affected by the floods not to feel abandoned, assuring them that the state and government stood with them.
“You are not alone. The state is with you, and the government is with you,” Shah said.
Recalling the ordeal faced by elderly residents, Shah said some parents had been forced to flee to higher ground while carrying their grandchildren despite their own vulnerability. He said even those who could barely walk without support found extraordinary strength to protect their children during the disaster.
Security agencies have continued search and rescue operations for people who remain unaccounted for, particularly around hydropower projects along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors.
The Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN), said 919 people working at 11 hydropower projects remained out of contact as of Sunday evening.
There have, however, been some successful rescues. Two Nepali nationals were rescued from the 60-MW Upper Trishuli 3A project on September 4, while a Chinese national was rescued from the 216-MW Upper Trishuli-1 project on September 5.
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