“An unimaginable disaster”: Nepal faces a daunting challenge after devastating floods

Nepal is confronting what Prime Minister Balendra Shah called an “unimaginable and heartbreaking” natural disaster after a massive wave of ice, rocks and debris swept through villages and towns in Nepal and Tibet.

The floods have killed 919 people, while 4,793 remain missing. Many of those unaccounted for were tourists and pilgrims traveling toward Tibet’s sacred Mount Kailash. Authorities have struggled to establish the full toll and assess damage along the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa.

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Our country is facing an unimaginable and heartbreaking natural disaster.

Shah said the response remains difficult because of poor weather, challenging terrain and continuing danger. “Although this task remains difficult because of adverse weather conditions, difficult terrain and constant risk, we are moving forward decisively to protect citizens’ lives,” he said.

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Although this task remains difficult because of adverse weather conditions, difficult terrain and constant risk, we are moving forward decisively to protect citizens’ lives.

The 36-year-old prime minister, a former rapper widely known as “Balen,” now faces the task of rebuilding communities and vital infrastructure. Nepal’s economy is already under pressure, and the resources available to respond to a disaster of this scale are limited.

The disaster came shortly before the anniversary of mass anti-corruption protests held on Sept. 8 and 9 last year. Those demonstrations helped bring down the previous government, while Shah’s party won elections in March amid public demands for change. Addressing the floods, Shah said, “We will overcome this crisis through unity and joint efforts.”

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We will overcome this crisis through unity and joint efforts.