AGP Executive Report

Disaster Toll & Missing: Nepal’s flash floods and mudslides linked to a glacier collapse have killed at least 626 people, with about 2,426 still missing, while Tibet reports seven more deaths and hundreds unaccounted for. Rescue in Hydropower Tunnel: Nepal Army teams are drilling and clearing the Trishuli 3A hydropower tunnel entrance to reach more than 100 trapped workers, but bad weather and debris are slowing progress. Foreign Aid & Forensics: Nepal is seeking specialised technical help for tunnel rescue, communications restoration, and forensic examination/body management; India says it will send a tunnel-rescue team and medical support. Relief Funding: Nepal’s PM Disaster Relief Fund has received over Rs 2.295 billion in days, pushing the balance to about Rs 4.09 billion. Regional Monitoring: India is stepping up glacier and glacial-lake monitoring in border Himalayan areas as officials warn flood risk may persist until upstream lakes drain. Cross-border Victims: Malaysia says 55 Malaysians remain uncontactable; Maharashtra reports 338 of 404 stranded in the Nepal-Tibet region have been reached, while 60 tourists remain untraceable. EU/ADB Support: The EU pledged €2 million and the ADB approved a $5 million emergency grant for rescue, food, water, shelter and medical aid.

Nepal–Tibet Flood Crisis: Rescuers in Nepal and China pulled survivors from mud and used helicopters as the death toll climbed to around 579 and the number missing surged to about 1,924–2,500. Second-Flood Warning: Authorities kept teams on high alert after a new barrier lake formed upstream began overflowing, with rescue operations briefly paused then resumed. Hydropower Tunnel Rescue: Nepal’s army deployed to save people trapped in a hydropower tunnel in Rasuwa, where mud and debris are slowing access. Foreign Nationals Missing: Nepal’s tourism authorities listed 537 foreigners unaccounted for, including 41 Australians and dozens of others; families abroad—including Canadians and Americans—continued frantic searches. Children at Risk: UNICEF warned 17,000 children were affected, with schools and medical facilities damaged and urgent aid needed. Diplomatic/Relief Moves: India signaled readiness to send help, while the UK deployed a rapid response team to support British nationals in Kathmandu.

Disaster Toll Update: Nepal’s disaster authority says the flash-flood death toll has climbed to 538 and 977 people remain missing, with thousands rescued and injured treated in Kathmandu and nearby districts. Fresh Flood Threat: Nepal has warned rescuers to move to safer locations after China reported another dam burst and barrier-lake breach in Tibet, raising fears of a second wave; China also warned of heavy rain over the next days. International Search & Missing Persons: Foreign ministries and missions are racing to trace citizens; the US says about 90 Americans are still unaccounted for, while South Africa says six citizens remain missing. Aid and Condolences: Sri Lanka pledged US$1 million in humanitarian assistance, and China’s Xi extended condolences and offered help. Trade Disruption: Floods have disrupted India-Nepal trade, with a 16-km truck queue forming at the Sonauli border as roads remain affected. Morgues Overwhelmed: Authorities are setting up temporary morgues as bodies recovered downstream exceed local capacity.

Nepal-Tibet Disaster: Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah has left for a field inspection of flood-hit Bidur in Nuwakot, with Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal, to assess damage and push faster relief and reconstruction after Wednesday’s glacier-triggered flash floods. Casualties & Missing: Reports put deaths at about 359, with hundreds more unaccounted for as rescue teams struggle to reach cut-off areas. New Threat: Authorities warn a newly formed, fast-growing lake upstream could trigger a second surge, urging people to avoid riverbanks along the Bhote Koshi corridor. Foreign Nationals: The Nepal Tourism Board and Nepal Police say 644 travelers are reported missing, including foreign nationals; Malaysia’s foreign ministry says it has no official confirmation of Malaysian casualties while Nepal Police released a partial list of Malaysians missing. International Support: Sri Lanka pledged USD 1 million in assistance, while the Philippines’ Marcos Jr. offered condolences and prayers for victims. Diaspora Response: Nepali communities abroad, including in Chicago and the US, are organizing centralized donation drives and helplines for families waiting for news.

Nepal-Tibet Flood Crisis: Prime Minister Balendra Shah left early Thursday to inspect flood-hit Bidur in Nuwakot, with Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal, to assess damage and push faster relief and reconstruction. Missing Tourists, Foreigners: Nepal Tourism Board said a Filipino traveler remains missing, while officials reported 468 tourists and travelers out of contact in Nepal; across the border, China said 558 people are missing in Tibet. Rescue and Aid: UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent condolences and said UN agencies are mobilising supplies and personnel to support Nepal’s government-led response. What Triggered the Disaster: A technical assessment says the surge entered Nepal from Tibet into the Bhotekoshi, then spread through the Trishuli and onward to the Narayani; officials also noted a 4.4 quake was recorded minutes before data from a key monitoring station stopped. Regional Coordination: India’s Jaishankar reviewed efforts to locate Indians stranded, while Tamil Nadu’s CM Vijay directed teams to coordinate rescue and repatriation for pilgrims.

Himalayan Disaster: Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Office says the flash floods in northern Nepal have killed at least 95 people and left 484 missing, including 391 foreign tourists and 93 Nepalis, with the worst damage in Rasuwa where homes, markets, hydropower, roads and other infrastructure were swept away. Rescue & Response: Nepal Army and other security forces have intensified searches; police earlier reported 88 rescues, and an emergency Cabinet meeting has been called to coordinate relief. Foreign Nationals Missing: Nepal Tourism Board figures list missing travellers including 134 Indians, 47 Americans, 33 Britons and 34 Australians, while reports also mention Malaysians, Ukrainians and Japanese nationals among those unaccounted for. Regional Alerts: India’s Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been put on high alert due to possible rises in the Gandak river, and helplines are being issued for stranded citizens. International Solidarity: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ukraine have expressed condolences and readiness to help, while the US and Canada say they stand ready to provide humanitarian assistance.

Bhotekoshi Flash Flood Crisis: A sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi/Bhotekoshi River hit Rasuwa near the Nepal–Tibet border, sweeping away villages and damaging markets, roads, bridges and hydropower. At least eight people were killed, with more feared, while rescue teams struggled to reach areas because floodwaters were too high for helicopters to land. Cross-Border Impact: Tibet reported “major casualties” after a mudslide at Gyirong port, with people missing and Xi Jinping urging all-out rescue and stronger monitoring. Tourism Fallout: Nepal Tourism Board figures list 384 missing travellers, including 105 Indians, as authorities verify names with agencies and local security. Rescue & Relief Mobilised: PM Balendra Shah ordered effective, coordinated search and relief; WHO is sending medicines and health equipment, and doctors/medical teams were dispatched. Infrastructure Damage: Roads and at least 19 bridges were hit along the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli corridor, and hydropower and transmission facilities were disrupted, with electricity generation capacity affected. Security Missing: 26 police personnel (plus other security staff) were reported out of contact, and even customs office staff were among those missing.

Bagmati Politics: Bagmati CM Kiran Thapa Magar won a vote of confidence in the provincial assembly, with the Nepali Congress boycotting the session; the new coalition government is backed by CPN-UML, NCP and RPP after a six-point power-sharing deal. Nepali Congress Crisis: The NC dispute is deepening as Deuba’s faction has filed supplementary petitions at the Supreme Court to halt preparations for the party’s 15th general convention, while Gagan Thapa’s side is pushing ahead with an election calendar. Parliament Watch: PM Balendra Shah will face lawmakers’ questions for the first time after the Speaker’s directive, with multiple parties set to raise issues in the House of Representatives. Justice & Safety: Police arrested a man in Delhi over the murder of a retired teacher in Jangpura, and Nepal continues to face outrage over the rape and murder of a 3-year-old girl, with calls for tougher action. Economy & Daily Life: Sugar prices in Nepal are rising ahead of festivals after assurances of sufficient stocks, while Tatopani border trade with China has partially resumed after 36 days. Tech & Media: The government urged public-interest, factual journalism and responsible use of new tech/AI, as Nepal also consults universities on amendments to the Some University Act. Sports: Nepal announced its squad for the Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam and is set to play in FIBA Asia Cup 2029 pre-qualifiers.

PM Balen Shah in Parliament with dark sunglasses: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal had asked lawmakers to avoid dark glasses unless medically necessary, and Balen has now submitted a medical report saying he has dry eyes and difficulty looking at bright light—so he is set to wear the shades during Wednesday’s House session. NEPSE slips as turnover rises: The Nepal Stock Exchange fell 5.30 points to 2,594.06 while daily turnover jumped to Rs 4.10 billion; hydropower led turnover at Rs 2.49 billion. Waste management pressure on Kathmandu Valley mayors: The Kathmandu Valley Mayors’ Forum plans to meet PM Balen Shah over waste management, streetlight charges and land-use issues, after a dispute linked to MP Ashika Tamang escalated into a 15-day ultimatum. Tax services go online: Inland Revenue Department launched a new Taxpayer Portal in trial mode and introduced changes letting taxpayers amend VAT details within seven days and correct TDS-related issues more easily. Road disruptions from monsoon rains: Police report multiple blocked road sections due to flooding, landslides and debris, with night-time movement restrictions on key routes. Auto show spotlights EV push: Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav inaugurated NADA Auto Show 2026, urging electric vehicles to cut fuel imports and trade deficit. Rape and murder case sparks outrage: The killing of a three-year-old girl in Bara has triggered anger over alleged delays and calls for tougher laws and faster investigation. UPI 10-year milestone echoes in Nepal: India marked 10 years of UPI, highlighting massive growth and cross-border use that includes Nepal.

Child Safety & Justice: Nepal is reeling after the rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Bara, triggering nationwide outrage, protests, and calls for tougher laws and stricter action against police failures. Road Accidents: Two people were killed and 10 injured in a pickup van crash in Syangja, while another deadly road mishap in Galyang left two dead and 17 hurt. Provincial Politics: Koshi Chief Minister Hikmat Karki won a vote of confidence with 57 votes, as Nepali Congress lawmakers opposed; in Bagmati, the High Court issued a show-cause order over a chief minister appointment. Parliament & Governance: Speaker Aryal ordered removal of unparliamentary statements from records. Finance & Banking: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle pushed for clearer disqualification rules for bank directors inside BAFIA, and the Finance Committee discussed making NRB monetary policy public on the first day of the fiscal year. Media & Policy: Information Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina said government ads should be made transparent, competitive, and systematic. Culture & Heritage: India-funded restoration of Shree Kumari Chhen and New Kumari Niwas was inaugurated in Lalitpur.

Parliament Watch: The House of Representatives is in session with ministers set to respond to lawmakers’ queries, including proposals to send key amendment bills—on constitutional office remuneration, passports, human trafficking controls, and mines and minerals—to relevant committees. Foreign Policy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal will lead a Nepali delegation to Belgrade for the Non-Aligned Movement’s 65th anniversary commemorative meeting. Courts & Rights: Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered police to appear with seized materials from activist Durga Prasai’s home and explain restrictions on his movement. Public Order: In Lahan, traders allege discriminatory demolition after the municipality bulldozed structures in Naya Bazar. Economy & Markets: NEPSE slipped below 2,600, closing at 2,599 as turnover fell to Rs 3.23 billion. Infrastructure: Nagdhunga Tunnel Road has reopened partially for small four-wheelers under one-way testing rules. Crime & Accountability: A policeman was arrested for recording and sharing a viral video of a teenager’s statement in the Bara child rape-murder case. Sports & Culture: Spider-Man: Brand New Day crossed Rs 160 million at Nepal’s box office; a play on Ganesh Man Singh will run from Aug 30 to Oct 1.

Japanese Encephalitis Response: Jhapa’s JE outbreak has killed 6 of 10 confirmed patients so far, with officials preparing an emergency vaccination push for adults above 30 after data showed most victims were unvaccinated. Aviation Oversight: Nepal’s Supreme Court nullified Nepal Airlines chairman Maheshwarbhakta Shrestha’s appointment, leaving the national flag carrier without leadership and raising questions over appointment rules. Education Reform: Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel says the School Education Bill is a top priority, promising a transparent, participatory process and clearer federal-provincial-local roles. Labour & Migration: Malaysia has listed only 25 Nepali manpower companies under its foreign-worker system, sparking syndicate concerns and protests from Nepalese agencies. Tourism & Mountaineering: MP Mingma Gyabu Sherpa urged reforms to keep Nepali climbers and guides in Nepal, while Everest route planners tout a new alternative to Camp 1. Politics: Rabi Lamichhane urged RSP leaders to protect democracy and focus on a 35-year plan, while Nain Singh Mahar met Deuba to push Nepali Congress unity. Sports: Nepal’s NMI U20 team received a send-off ahead of AFC qualifiers, and Nepal’s cricket teams continue T20 campaigns abroad.

Business & Politics: Chiranjivi Oli was elected chair of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, beating Dhruba Prasad Dahal; in Bagmati Province, the Nepali Congress issued a whip telling lawmakers to vote against CM Kiran Thapa’s vote of confidence. Drugs & Crime: Police arrested 16 people with suspected drugs across multiple districts, while two men were held for swindling foreign job aspirants of Rs 1.7 million. Energy: NEA formed a subcommittee to set criteria for opening Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha pushed for more reliable power supply and higher consumption in Koshi Province. Agriculture & Water: Shrestha said large irrigation like Sunsari–Morang can boost farm output and jobs, stressing integrated support beyond canals. Trade & Prices: Gold rose by Rs 2,800 per tola; Nepal’s cosmetics imports climbed to Rs 13.004 billion in FY 2025-26. Parliament & Bills: Monday’s House agenda includes clause-wise discussion of amendments and bills, including mines and minerals. Sports & Culture: NADA Auto Show preparations are in the final stage; Kathmandu Gorakhas signed India’s KS Bharat for the NPL.

Water Governance: A new look at Nepal’s water commons warns that climate-driven drying and weak groundwater rules are turning water access into a political fight, with communities increasingly blaming each other over springs and sources. Environment Rules: The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment is considering amendments to the Environment Protection Act to simplify environmental assessment while tightening quality control and monitoring of approved projects. Education Crackdown: Kathmandu Metropolitan City issued a 35-day notice to clarify the cancellation of permits/approvals of 92 private schools, warning that the process will move ahead if responses are not satisfactory. Social Protection Deal: The government and the Durga Prasai-led campaign signed a 14-point agreement, ending sit-ins and protests and promising changes around blacklisting, debt rescheduling, and limits on microfinance collateral practices. Autism Support: The education minister says separate residential schools for autistic children will be set up across all seven provinces, with a detailed project report to start this year. Local Security: Armed Police Chief Narayan Dutt Poudel urged disaster response without waiting for orders, stressing coordination and human-rights compliant force. Road Safety: Two died after a bus hit a motorcycle in Chitwan; the bus driver is in custody. Sports: Nepal’s Deepak Chhantyal won gold and Magma Gurung bronze at the World Hapkido Championship; Chitwan Rhinos signed Sikandar Raza for the Nepal Premier League; Nepal ‘A’ lost to Bangladesh HP by 9 wickets in Darwin T20. Tourism & Culture: PM Balendra Shah worshipped at Muktinath Temple in Mustang, while Pokhara held a hiking event to promote religious and tourist sites.

Nepal Economy & Trade: Nepal’s foreign trade jumped 35.44% year-on-year in the first month of FY 2026/27, reaching about Rs 226.14 billion, with exports up 61% and imports up 31%—but the trade deficit also widened 24.88% to Rs 148.73 billion. Public Safety & Justice: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung vowed stronger legal and institutional action after the Garima Chaudhary case, saying suspects were arrested quickly and an inquiry is underway into alleged police negligence. Climate & Energy: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha urged El Niño readiness, warning of risks to hydropower, irrigation and food security, while also pushing Koshi Province to fix electricity supply problems faster and manage complaints better. Disaster Impact: Nepal recorded 5,014 disaster incidents in four months, killing 250 people and affecting thousands of families, with fires, landslides and snakebites among the top causes. Sports & Regional Events: Nepal’s Olympic delegation heads to Islamabad for SAOC preparations for the 2027 South Asian Games in Pakistan. Tech & Education: Nepal won its first medal at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence, with Sidant Chaturbedi taking bronze. Party & Governance: The Rastriya Swatantra Party began a two-day workshop on policy, organization and leadership for central members.

Nepal-India Border Security: The 14th India-Nepal Joint Working Group on border management and security wrapped up in Dehradun, with both sides agreeing to boost surveillance at sensitive points using modern tech, improve Integrated Check Posts and border infrastructure, and step up real-time coordination to curb trans-border crime, including drugs, arms, wildlife and cyber fraud. Public Service Reform: Nepal’s government has issued an “Action Plan on Immediate Reform of Public Service” to cut unnecessary office visits, clarify document requirements, reduce service time and cost, and expand technology-based delivery. Health Supplies: The Ministry of Health and Food Safety directed local authorities to ensure free availability of essential medicines and medical supplies for local health institutions. Capital Markets: SEBON has proposed draft Bond Registration and Issuance Regulations requiring a mandatory Rs 1 billion capital for bond issuers, aiming to make the institutional bond market more organized and investor-friendly. RSP Party Updates: Rastriya Swatantra Party named new central committee members and department heads as it pushes organizational restructuring ahead of local elections. Kathmandu Valley Waste: A stakeholders’ meeting discussed long-term waste management solutions for the Kathmandu Valley, with attention on issues around the Bancharedanda landfill and the need for cooperation across local levels. Sports: Nepal A opened the Top End T20 series in Australia with an eight-wicket loss to Northern Territory Strike.