Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced that the government is actively working to rehabilitate citizens displaced by floods and landslides, as the nation observes Dashain amidst widespread devastation. He also stated that the government is conscious that economic reasons should not make Dashain a burden for anyone.Meanwhile, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) appealed to all Nepalis not to give or receive gifts, cash, or any form of facilities during greetings exchanges for Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat, and Chhath festivals.
Widespread devastation and casualties
Prime Minister Shah noted that Dashain has arrived while the grief from the devastating floods and landslides in areas including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Gorkha is still fresh. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished for peace for those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery for the injured.According to data as of October 13, 2024, 170 people have died nationwide due to floods and landslides, with 42 still missing. Police reported that in Koshi Province, 13 people died, three were injured, and nine are missing. Madhesh Province saw two deaths and one person missing. Bagmati Province recorded 37 deaths, 22 injuries, and 32 missing. In Lumbini Province, two people are missing. A total of 195 houses were completely destroyed, and 2,905 people were rescued safely.In a particularly tragic incident, 35 bodies were found buried along with vehicles near Jhyaple Khola, a main entry point to Kathmandu near Nagdhunga.
Government commitment to rehabilitation
Prime Minister Shah assured that the government is diligently working towards the rehabilitation of citizens displaced by the floods and landslides. He reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing the country on the path of economic prosperity and good governance.He emphasized the need for collective effort to change the fate of millions of Nepalis forced to live abroad, unable to return home for festivals. The Prime Minister affirmed the government’s dedication to the nation’s prosperity and the well-being of all citizens.
Impact in Madhesh Province
Life in all eight districts of Madhesh Province has been affected by continuous rain, floods, landslides, and strong winds as of September 27, 2026. Houses and cattle sheds have collapsed in various districts, and one woman died after being buried in a landslide in Dhanusha on September 27, 2026.In Saptari district, 500 houses in two local units—Hanumannagar Kankalini Municipality and Tilathi Koiladi Rural Municipality—were inundated, affecting over 2,000 families on September 27, 2026. According to Hanumannagar Kankalini Municipality Mayor Birendra Majhi, floodwaters entered settlements after the water level in the Saptakoshi River rose on Friday night. Arrangements have been made to provide two meals a day for the flood-affected families.
Rastriya Swatantra Party’s festival appeal
RSP General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya issued a statement extending wishes for happiness, peace, good health, and prosperity to all Nepalis at home and abroad.Acharya stated that the blessings of Dashain, the Bhai Tika of Tihar, and the profound faith of Chhath carry a shared message of selfless love and goodwill. He clarified that since its establishment, the RSP has fully discouraged the exchange of gifts, cash, goods, or any other facilities during festival greetings.
Government’s next steps
The government has decided to provide immediate relief to flood and landslide victims. A procedure has already been implemented to manage the safe repair, strengthening, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of private homes damaged by floods and landslides. A special plan for those affected by floods and landslides will be announced by the Ministry of Finance as soon as possible. Approximately Rs 5.6 billion is immediately required to restore damaged drinking water systems.
