Manisha Koirala’s Message To The World: Don’t Turn Away From Nepal

KATHMANDU, NEPAL | AUGUST 31, 2026

MANISHA KOIRALA CALLS FOR GLOBAL SUPPORT

Nepali-born actor Manisha Koirala made an emotional appeal to the international community during the “In Solidarity with Nepal” event in Kathmandu on Sunday, August 30, following the destructive floods that struck the Nepal-Tibet border region on August 26. Speaking as Nepal continues rescue, relief and recovery efforts, Koirala asked the world to continue supporting the country, encouraged travellers to keep Nepal in their plans and called for stronger cooperation between Nepal, India and China as Himalayan communities face growing risks linked to a changing climate.

A CALL FOR NEIGHBOURS TO WORK TOGETHER

Koirala said global warming is no longer something that can be treated as a distant problem. Pointing to the close geographical connection between Nepal, India and China, she called on the three neighbouring countries to work collectively to reduce climate risks and help prevent future disasters.

Her message focused not only on responding after tragedy strikes, but also on cooperation that could help vulnerable communities prepare for the dangers ahead.

DON’T LET DISASTERS DEFINE NEPAL

Alongside her call for climate action, Koirala raised another concern: Nepal should not become known internationally only through earthquakes, floods and other tragedies.

She reminded people that Nepal is also a country of the Himalayas, natural beauty, diverse cultures, traditions and welcoming communities. Her appeal was for international visitors to continue seeing that side of Nepal rather than avoiding the entire country because one region has suffered a major disaster.

WHY TOURISM MATTERS RIGHT NOW

Tourism supports thousands of people across Nepal, from trekking guides and hotel workers to restaurants, transport operators, small businesses and local communities.

Koirala stressed that continued travel can itself become a meaningful form of support. While disaster-hit areas need space for rescue and recovery, she encouraged international travellers to continue visiting other accessible and safe destinations instead of turning away from Nepal altogether.

AN EMOTIONAL MESSAGE AFTER REPEATED DISASTERS

Koirala became visibly emotional while reflecting on the tragedies Nepal has faced over the years. She recalled witnessing destruction after the 2015 earthquake and spoke about how difficult it was to see another major disaster affecting communities in Rasuwa and surrounding areas.

Her remarks reflected a larger question facing Nepal: how can a Himalayan country increasingly exposed to floods, landslides and glacier-related hazards protect its people while continuing to rebuild after repeated disasters?

NEPAL FACES GROWING CLIMATE RISKS

The latest disaster has again brought attention to the vulnerability of Nepal’s Himalayan environment. Scientists have warned that rising temperatures are changing glaciers and destabilising high-mountain areas, although experts caution that climate change should not automatically be treated as the single direct cause of an individual disaster without scientific assessment.

For Koirala, the tragedy was a reason for countries to cooperate rather than face climate threats separately. Her message was simple in spirit: Nepal needs support during its difficult days, but it also needs the world to continue believing in, visiting and standing alongside the country as it recovers.

A MESSAGE BEYOND EMERGENCY AID

International support does not have to end when immediate rescue and relief operations are over. Nepal's recovery will also depend on livelihoods, businesses, tourism and communities being able to rebuild their lives.

Koirala’s appeal therefore carries two messages at once: stand with Nepal during the disaster, and do not abandon the country after the headlines disappear.