Nepal Suspends Bhotekoshi–Trishuli Flood Search and Rescue Except for Essential Operations

Kathmandu, October 5, 2026: The government has decided to suspend the search and rescue phase following the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli floods, except for essential operations, and shift its focus toward reconstruction and rehabilitation in the affected areas.

The decision was taken at the 21st meeting of the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, chaired by Prime Minister Balen Shah at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Monday.

Search to Continue Only Where Necessary

The council directed concerned agencies to continue essential search operations while accelerating reconstruction and rehabilitation work in areas affected by the floods.

The decision was based on recommendations from the District Security Committees, District Disaster Management Committees, the Executive Committee of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and findings from field inspections.

This means the government will move away from broad search and rescue activities while retaining the ability to conduct searches considered necessary.

Rs 559 Billion Reconstruction Plan

Alongside the decision on search and rescue, the council recommended budget approval for 504 reconstruction and rehabilitation plans submitted by various ministries and government agencies.

The proposed funding totals Rs 5 kharba 59 arba 17 crore 72 lakh 27 thousand.

The Ministry of Finance will arrange the necessary resources for the approved plans in accordance with the Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Regulations, 2077.

More Projects to Be Prioritized

The council has also directed the NDRRMA to collect details of projects whose cost estimates have not yet been finalized or whose priorities have not yet been determined.

Once the details are received, the authority will recommend the necessary budget arrangements to the Ministry of Finance.

This will allow additional reconstruction and rehabilitation projects to be considered as their costs and priorities become clearer.

Focus Shifts to Recovery

Prime Minister Shah said disaster management efforts had been carried out through coordination among the federal, provincial and local governments, and that reconstruction and rehabilitation would also follow the same coordinated approach.

Opposition parties, the parliamentary leader of the Nepali Congress, and the chief ministers of Bagmati, Gandaki, Madhesh and Koshi provinces expressed their support for the reconstruction effort during the meeting.

Government Thanks Rescue Teams and Partners

The council expressed condolences for those who lost their lives in the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli floods and other monsoon-related disasters.

It also praised and thanked security personnel, elected representatives, civil servants, private-sector organizations, volunteers and journalists involved in search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The council also acknowledged the support provided by donor countries and development partners during the disaster response.