The Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund and Prime Minister’s Relief Fund have accumulated over Rs 17.06 billion (Rs 17,06,80,41,464), crucial for ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating Bhotekoshi River flood in Rasuwa. The funds, managed by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, reached this total as of Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 8:00 PM.
The total includes Rs 12.57 billion (Rs 12,57,28,76,523) held across various accounts in nine commercial banks. Additionally, dollar accounts at Himalayan Bank and Laxmi Sunrise Bank hold USD 29.19 million (USD 2,91,93,174). The government has already disbursed Rs 1 billion from the fund to flood-affected areas.
Fund details and contributions
Following the Bhotekoshi flood, the government appealed for contributions to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund for immediate rescue, relief, and long-term rehabilitation of those affected. This call has seen a continuous flow of support from various individuals and organizations.
Recently, employees of the Sahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, a specialized cardiac hospital, donated Rs 2.3 million collected from two days of their salaries. The cheque was handed over to Nisha Mehta, the Minister of Health and Population, and Water Supply, by Prof. Dr. Ashish Govinda Amatya, director of the Centre. Furthermore, Ncell Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Ncell Axiata, has pledged Rs 10 million in financial assistance to the fund.
Economic fallout and relief operations
The Bhotekoshi River flood, which occurred on Bhadra 10, 2083 (August 26, 2026), has significantly impacted the country’s overall economy. The disaster affected dozens of settlements across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun, Nawalparasi, and Chitwan districts. The Kerung border post, located on the Nepal-China border, was completely destroyed by the flood, severely disrupting trade activities.
The World Bank projected on October 6, 2026, that Nepal’s economic growth rate for the fiscal year 2083/84 would be limited to 3.7% due to the Rasuwa flood. In response to the widespread damage, the Nepal Red Cross Society announced on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, that it would provide Rs 100,000 in cash assistance to approximately 6,000 flood-affected families, particularly those with missing persons or fatalities.
Government response and future actions
Prime Minister Balen Shah has stated that disaster management efforts are being prioritized, and necessary support will be provided to the disaster-affected areas and provincial governments.
In a crucial development, Sobita Gautam, the Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, announced that preparations are underway to amend laws to facilitate the declaration of approximately 5,000 people still missing from the flood as deceased. This initiative aims to provide legal clarity and support to the affected families. (Related: Nepal halts flood victim search, proposes 45-day missing person declaration)
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has decided to coordinate with development partners and local levels to expedite the construction of temporary shelters for flood victims. Additionally, the Madhesh Province government has decided to provide relief and assistance to the Bhotekoshi flood-affected citizens and support the families of the deceased. The Madhesh Province government also resolved to deposit one day’s salary of its Chief Minister, ministers, and all officials and employees into the central disaster management fund.
Meanwhile, the Nepal Police has issued a public warning against fraudulent activities being carried out in the name of the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, urging citizens to remain vigilant.
About the disaster relief fund
The Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund operates under the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund Operation Regulations, 2063. Contributions made to this fund, as well as to any reconstruction fund established by the Government of Nepal, are eligible for tax deductions when calculating taxable income under Section 12B of the Income Tax Act, 2058.
The investigation into the exact cause of the Bhotekoshi flood is ongoing, and the precise number of missing persons is still being determined.
