Key Points
- A massive flood and landslide disaster struck Nepal near the Tibet border on August 26, 2026.
- Official reports confirm 1,358 deaths, with over 5,000 people, including Japanese nationals, still missing.
- Rescue operations are ongoing in difficult terrain, involving the Nepal Army and international teams from Spain.
- Local journalists from ParaPulse Nepal highlight the destruction of critical infrastructure and the psychological toll on survivors.
- Experts and activists point to global warming as the primary cause, calling for international cooperation to protect future generations.
Full Transcript (English)
Narrator: It has been two weeks since the devastating floods and landslides occurred near the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region. According to the Nepalese government, 1,358 people have died. While 13,583 people have been rescued, 5,326 people, including Japanese nationals, remain missing.
Dibash Pariyar: My name is Dibash Pariyar. We are from ParaPulse Media Network Private Limited. It is a media outlet that works for the disability sector and disability sports associations. Our media was established one year ago. Regarding the disaster areas, first of all, this disaster started from the China side. The first areas affected in Nepal were Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Other affected areas include Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan. The most severely affected areas are Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and small towns like Betrawati.
Dibash Pariyar: The devastating Bhote Koshi flood that struck Nepal on August 26 has caused a great loss of life and massive destruction of homes, roads, bridges, hydropower projects, and other critical infrastructure. The disaster has affected 15 local governments, while thousands of families have been displaced from their homes and continue to receive emergency assistance. Search and rescue operations continue despite the passage of several days. Security personnel and specialized rescue teams from Spain are searching hydropower project underground tunnels, forests, and areas buried beneath flood debris and landslides. Drones, excavation equipment, pumps, and other specialized machinery are being used to locate and rescue people who may still be trapped. The rescue of two workers has raised hopes among families and rescue teams that others who remain missing could also still be alive. The Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Army have been deployed extensively for search and rescue, relief distribution, and maintaining security.
Host (Fukiko Amai): How far is the area where you live from the disaster-affected area?
Mitra Baral: It is about 80 kilometers from Kathmandu city. The damage spreads from north to south, from the Himalayan region to southern Nepal.
Host (Fukiko Amai): What are the biggest problems people are facing right now?
Mitra Baral: I think the main problem is people’s livelihoods. The government is already responding and helping needy people, but the families of those who are still trapped are suffering greatly. They are in a very difficult state emotionally and psychologically; I can’t quite explain it, but they are in a very painful situation. I believe there are more than 400 people at the hydropower project site. They are inside. There is no exact data, but approximately four to six people… yes. Geographically, it is a very difficult location. Helicopters and various equipment cannot work there. It has been 13 days now, but some people have safely survived and been rescued after 8 or 10 days. Families are waiting, wondering if their relatives, sons, fathers, or daughters will be found. There were various people there, including engineers and researchers. One hydropower project was under construction, and two were ongoing. I believe there were also several foreigners, including people from Korea and other countries. Exact data has still not been released.
Host (Fukiko Amai): Is it also difficult for you to go to the affected areas?
Mitra Baral: We have already gone to the Nuwakot district. I went to see the Trishuli Bazaar. It is a major market for heading toward Tibet and the mountain ranges beyond. Many trekkers stay in this market, staying in hotels. Travel-related activities and religious activities also take place there. However, I wasn’t able to see anything.
Host (Fukiko Amai): I understand that your media platform, ParaPulse, especially focuses on stories from the perspective of people with disabilities. During disasters, people with disabilities may have more difficulty getting important information, evacuating, or receiving the support and care they need. What is the situation like for people with disabilities in Nepal after this disaster?
Mitra Baral: After every large-scale disaster, like the 2015 earthquake, many people become victims and suffer disabilities. Even now, those people are not receiving proper care. We need to make the government and various sectors aware of this issue. We must provide what they need, such as proper education and medical care, so that people with disabilities can live better lives. Some people are living having lost their fathers or many family members. In some families, only one or two members survived. Our goal is to bring their voices to the government and relevant authorities.
Dibash Pariyar: So far, we have not heard reports of people with disabilities being affected by the flood. Currently, almost all people with disabilities are in Kathmandu. We have asked several people, but we haven’t heard of anyone being affected yet. We are constantly asking people who run disability organizations and relevant officials.
Ramesh Khatri: One year ago, 8bitNews covered the movement by Gen Z in Nepal. Since then, Nepal’s politics have moved into a different phase. But now, Nepal is facing a natural disaster. Due to a lack of funds and personnel, we cannot cover all the affected areas. However, we are monitoring the situation as closely as possible and watching everything. We are then sharing the information we obtain with our community. Various countries and international media are supporting the disaster victims in Nepal. They are also listening to the voices of Nepal. We ask international media to cover this issue in relation to global warming, because Nepal is a country that has been repeatedly affected by this problem from a very early stage.
Host (Fukiko Amai): I understand that it was extremely difficult to avoid the impact of this landslide. On the other hand, in the case of other disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, I think it can also be difficult to ensure that people with disabilities receive evacuation information and necessary support. What do you think is necessary to realize more inclusive disaster prevention and response that includes people with disabilities?
Mitra Baral: Information is always very important in responding to disasters. I believe the Nepalese government understands this as well. However, I think the information transmission mechanism is insufficient, even under the new government. Therefore, it is necessary to update the information system so that we can respond to all problems as quickly as possible. We hope the government will provide proper data as soon as possible.
Host (Fukiko Amai): What would you like people in Japan and around the world to know about this disaster?
Mitra Baral: The main cause of this disaster is global warming. Global warming is not just a problem for any one country; it is a global problem. Therefore, every one of us, as global citizens, must always be aware of this issue. We must protect our new generation, the next generation. This is because it is not just the Himalayas that are affected. If snowfall in the Himalayas decreases significantly, the entire ecosystem will collapse. Therefore, I think all countries need to be constantly aware of this issue. Also, social activists and environmental activists must raise their voices about this global issue. And I hope media like 8bitNews will also cover these issues. We are also working on this issue. We have gained a deep understanding of this problem through this disaster.
Ramesh Khatri: To all the viewers of 8bitNews: It is our responsibility to protect and save this Earth. This flood in Nepal may have been caused by many countries. Cutting down many trees and polluting the environment can lead to such floods. My message to the world is that we must protect our environment ourselves. We must reduce carbon dioxide emissions, stop global warming, and protect the Earth. I ask this of all people around the world. We must reduce building houses near rivers and polluting the environment. We must all work together in a movement to save humanity.
Dibash Pariyar: Many children and people are living in poor conditions. Those people are suffering even more due to this disaster. Therefore, I ask for support from people all over the world. If possible, any kind of support is fine. We want support so that these people can continue their lives. We cannot bring back the family members who were lost, but we still have to keep living. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And my sincere thanks to 8bitNews.
