On Aug. 26, Nepal awoke to a tragedy that has left families, communities and the entire nation grieving.
A sudden and devastating flash flood struck the Bhote Koshi River area in northern Nepal. Powerful waters and debris swept through settlements, damaging homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other essential infrastructure. More than 1,000 lives have been lost.
But beyond the damage and the numbers are human stories — families who have lost loved ones, people who have lost their homes and livelihoods and families anxiously waiting for news of those who remain missing.
The government of Nepal has mobilized more than 20,000 security personnel, local authorities, medical teams and other available resources for search, rescue, evacuation and relief operations. Rescue teams and volunteers are working under challenging conditions. Every available effort and resource is being mobilized to ensure that assistance reaches affected communities as quickly as possible. Nineteen helicopters have been deployed and are conducting regular flights over the affected areas.
The disaster has also affected foreign visitors and workers in the area, including Japanese nationals. We remain deeply concerned for everyone affected and continue to hope for the safe return of those who are still missing.
A shared vulnerability
Nepal is a country of mountains and rivers. Many communities live along steep river valleys, where water can rise with frightening speed. The suddenness and scale of this disaster have once again shown how vulnerable mountain communities can be to extreme weather.
Nepal has contributed very little to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet its people are among those facing the consequences of a changing climate. This is why Nepal continues to call for greater international cooperation on climate adaptation, early-warning systems, disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.
The tragedy in the Bhote Koshi valley is a reminder that disasters do not stop at borders. The need for solidarity should not either.
Standing together
At this painful time, Nepal is deeply grateful for the sympathy and support expressed by the people of Japan.
Nepal and Japan share a friendship built over many decades — through development cooperation, education, tourism, culture and strong people-to-people ties. Japan has stood beside Nepal during difficult times, including after the devastating earthquake of 2015.
Japan also has deep experience in preparing for and responding to natural disasters. There is much Nepal and Japan can learn from one another, particularly in strengthening communities and building infrastructure to withstand future disasters.
The messages of sympathy from Japan’s government, citizens, local governments, institutions and organizations have touched us deeply. For a country going through a time of grief, knowing that friends are thinking of us provides genuine comfort.
Time of need at hand
For now, our priority is to save lives and support those who have been affected by this tragedy.
But once the immediate emergency passes, the long road to recovery will begin.
Homes will need to be rebuilt. Roads and bridges will need to be restored. Families will need help to rebuild their livelihoods and communities will need support to recover.
In this longer phase of recovery and reconstruction, Nepal may once again benefit greatly from Japan’s technical expertise, innovative solutions and continued support.
Nepal has faced difficult times before. Following the April 25, 2015, earthquake near Kathmandu, our people showed extraordinary courage and determination in rebuilding their lives. That same spirit is visible today — in the rescue workers risking their lives, the volunteers helping their neighbors and ordinary citizens standing together in the face of adversity.
A message of gratitude
To our friends in Japan, our message is simple: Thank you.
Thank you for your condolences. Thank you for your concern. Thank you for standing with us at a time of profound sorrow.
For those who wish to extend their support beyond words, contributions to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund of Nepal are welcome.
The floods have taken lives and caused immense destruction. But they have also reminded us of something equally powerful — that human compassion knows no borders.
At this time, the friendship between Nepal and Japan matters more than ever.
This content was compiled in collaboration with the embassy.
Donate to the Government of Nepal Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund here:Â
