Key Points
- A massive flood and debris flow near the Nepal-Tibet border has resulted in 1,358 confirmed deaths and over 5,000 people missing.
- The disaster, which began in late August 2026, has devastated critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and hydropower projects across 15 local government areas.
- Journalists from ParaPulse Nepal, a media outlet focusing on disability, highlight the emotional toll on families and the systemic lack of support for people with disabilities during disasters.
- Local activists are calling for international cooperation to address global warming, citing it as the primary cause of the increasingly frequent and severe disasters in the Himalayan region.
Full Transcript (English)
Narrator: It has been two weeks since the devastating floods and debris flows 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.
Guest (Dibash Pariyar): My name is Dibash Pariyar. We are from ParaPulse, a media network that works for the disability sector and para-sports associations. Our media was established one year ago. Regarding the disaster areas, it started from the China side and affected Nepal, specifically Rasuwa and Nuwakot first, then Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan. The most affected areas are small villages and towns like Betrawati. The devastating Bhote Koshi flood that struck Nepal on August 26 has caused widespread 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 and continue to receive emergency assistance.
Guest (Dibash Pariyar): 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, excavators, 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?
Guest (Mitra Baral): It is about 80 kilometers from Kathmandu city. The damage stretches from the north in the Himalayan region down to the southern part of Nepal. The main problem now is people’s livelihoods. The government is helping, but the families of those still trapped are suffering greatly, both emotionally and psychologically. I believe more than 400 people were at the hydropower project site. About 4 to 6 people are still missing there, though there is no exact data. The geography is very difficult, and even helicopters and specialized equipment often cannot work there. It has been 13 days, but some people have survived for 8 or 10 days in the past, so families are still hoping to find their relatives—sons, fathers, or daughters. There were many different people there, including engineers and researchers from various countries, including Korea.
Host (Fukiko Amai): Is it difficult for you to reach the affected areas?
Guest (Mitra Baral): We already went to Nuwakot district to see Trishuli Bazar. That is a major market for those going to Tibet or the Langtang mountain range. Many trekkers stay there in hotels. However, I couldn’t see anything left; it was completely destroyed.
Host (Fukiko Amai): I understand your media platform, ParaPulse, focuses on stories from the perspective of people with disabilities. During disasters, they may have more difficulty getting information or receiving care. What is the situation like in Nepal now?
Guest (Mitra Baral): After big disasters like the 2015 earthquake, many people became disabled, and they still do not receive proper care. We need to make the government and different sectors aware of the need to provide proper education, health, and basic needs so they can live a good life. Some have lost their fathers or many family members. Our goal is to raise their voices to the authorities.
Guest (Dibash Pariyar): So far, we haven’t heard reports of people with disabilities being directly affected by this specific flood, as most are currently in Kathmandu. We are constantly questioning officials and organizations that run disability services to stay updated.
Guest (Ramesh Khatri): One year ago, 8bitNews covered the Gen Z movement in Nepal. Now, Nepal is facing another natural disaster. Due to a lack of funds and personnel, we cannot cover every single area, but we are watching closely and sharing information with our community. We ask international media to listen to the voices of Nepal. We need prayers and support during this painful time.
Host (Fukiko Amai): What do you want people in Japan and around the world to know about this disaster?
Guest (Mitra Baral): The major cause of this disaster is global warming. Global warming is not just one country’s problem; it is a global problem. All international citizens must be aware of this to protect the next generation. If the snowfall in the Himalayas decreases significantly, the entire ecosystem will collapse. All countries need to be aware. We need to update our information systems so we can respond to these issues as quickly as possible.
Guest (Ramesh Khatri): It is our responsibility to save this Earth. We must reduce carbon emissions and stop global warming. We must protect our environment by stopping deforestation and being careful about where we build homes. We must work together to save humanity. Many people are living in poverty and suffering even more because of this disaster. We ask people around the world for any support possible so these people can continue their lives. We cannot bring back the family members who were lost, but we must keep living. Thank you to 8bitNews for covering this issue.
