AGP Executive Report

Flood Aftermath & Forensics: Nepal’s flood victims’ DNA identification is still a massive task, with only 112 bodies identified so far and thousands more missing; experts warn matching fragmented remains to families could take weeks as two Kathmandu forensic labs process thousands of samples. Public Safety & Transport: The Besisahar–Chame road has reopened after six days of flood and landslide blockage, while separate bus crashes in Nawalparasi East (six dead, 10 injured) and Daunne (six dead, identities of five confirmed) underline ongoing road risks. Health: Japanese encephalitis cases have reached 131 this year, with 28 deaths; most patients reportedly were not vaccinated, and campaigns are underway in affected districts. Politics: The Nepali Congress is set for its 15th General Convention at Tundikhel/Khulamanch with youth and diaspora representation; meanwhile, the Rastriya Swatantra Party has formed committees to select local election candidates and prepare central departments. Economy & Prices: NEPSE fell 1.62% last week, investors reportedly losing Rs 73 billion in market value, while gold dropped Rs 3,800 per tola and Nepal imported Rs 5.61 billion worth of paddy and rice in two months. Energy & Infrastructure: Kulekhani hydropower dam is declared safe after heavy rains, and the government is pushing to clear hurdles on transmission line projects.

Flood Relief & Missing Persons: One of 55 Malaysians reported uncontactable after the Nepal-Tibet floods has been found safe and returned home after 37 days, while 54 still remain unaccounted for; banks are preparing support for affected families. Disaster Response: Nepal is moving to drain four high glacial lakes to cut future flood risks after the deadly glacier collapse, with design work starting this fiscal year. Public Safety (Festivals): Kathmandu police plan to mobilise about 3,500 personnel for Dashain, Tihar and Chhath, with tighter checks at entry points, CCTV and sniffer dogs, plus a 13-point advisory for people leaving the Valley. Road Accidents: Two separate bus crashes in Nawalparasi East and Daunne killed at least six and injured around 10–12, with brake failure cited in one case. Health: Japanese encephalitis confirmed in 131 people this year; 28 deaths reported, and vaccination campaigns continue in affected districts. Politics (Nepali Congress): Hotels across Kathmandu are booked for around 10,000 delegates for the 15th general convention; nomination registration for the Central Working Committee is set for Monday. Energy & Infrastructure: Energy Minister inspected the Kulekhani dam after heavy rains; government also plans to shift irrigation under the Infrastructure Development Ministry. Culture & Heritage: Over 800 historical Nepali manuscripts and documents (13th–20th century) were handed to Nepal’s National Archives.

Bhotekoshi Flood Relief: Nepal’s government says it will provide long-term care and support for five children orphaned in the Bhotekoshi floods, covering education and upbringing until they turn 18, after a ministry team assessed their situation. Himalayan Disaster Update: Rescuers recovered eight more bodies from the Himlung avalanche site, bringing the death toll to 15, with one person still missing. Parliament Watch: The National Assembly wrapped up its 21st session after 52 meetings, adopting a disaster-management resolution and condolence motion for flood victims; meanwhile, the House of Representatives forwarded several bills to committees for clause-wise review. Nepali Congress Convention: The 15th Nepali Congress general convention is set for Oct 4–8 at Khula Manch, with about 7,500 delegates expected; the party says it will not use panels and delegates will vote independently. Climate Justice Push: Activists held protests in Kathmandu after the Rasuwa floods, demanding climate justice and action on carbon emissions. Infrastructure in Rasuwa: Work has started on a Bailey bridge at Betrawati along the flood-damaged Galchhi–Betrawati road to restore connectivity. Sports: CAN named Nepal’s 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League-2 in Oman, and Nepal Police Club and Sabhapokhari reached the final of the Madan Bhandari Cup volleyball tournament.

Flood recovery & missing Malaysians: Nepal’s PM Balendra Shah assured Malaysia it will cooperate on verifying the status of 54 Malaysians still unaccounted for after the Aug 26 floods, with Malaysia pushing discussions through its attorney-general; meanwhile, one of the 55 reported missing Malaysians has been confirmed safe and returned home. Flood impacts on health: With roads and local services still disrupted, 33 pregnant women from Rasuwa and Nuwakot have travelled to Kathmandu for delivery, including airlifted cases. Avalanche update: Rescuers recovered eight more bodies from Mt Himlung, raising the death toll to 15, while one person remains missing and recovery is paused due to hazards. Climate justice push: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urged climate justice to be put into practice, calling for grant-based climate finance and stronger implementation as Nepal’s delegation highlights flood risks at the UN. Public health: Kathmandu Metropolitan City is preparing a detailed immunization plan for routine services, and an expert team is set to study scrub typhus spread in Salyan after rising deaths. Economy & markets: NEPSE fell 11.90 points to close at 2,587.25 with turnover above Rs 4.29 billion. Energy & policy: Nepal opened its national transmission grid to private access via wheeling charges, and the government is preparing to let security agencies distribute LPG during shortages. Tourism: International arrivals rose 12.1% in September despite the floods, reaching 88,248 visitors.

Himlung Avalanche Update: Search teams recovered eight more bodies from the Himlung Himal base camp in Manang, bringing the death toll to 15; one worker remains missing as operations continue. Electricity & Winter Supply: Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disasters knocked out at least 640MW, pushing Nepal to rely more on imported power for winter, though officials say there will be no nationwide load-shedding during Dashain/Tihar. Parliament Clock: President Ramchandra Paudel prorogued the current Federal Parliament session from midnight Oct 2, while the HoR sent three economic bills to committees for clause-wise discussion. Civil Service Overhaul: The government registered a Federal Civil Service Bill proposing a shift in retirement and career rules, including raising mandatory retirement age from 58 to 60. Telecom & Consumer Watch: NTA moved to recover over Rs 8.052 billion from UTL after its license cancellation, and DoCSCP fined Salt Trading Corporation Rs 300,000 for stock transparency violations. Climate Agenda: Kathmandu Climate Week opens Friday with climate justice discussions tied to COP31, and a remembrance session for Bhotekoshi disaster victims. Energy Market Opening: Government set criteria for private access to the national transmission grid by fixing wheeling charges. Local Politics: Opposition leader Angdembey criticized the PM for not informing Parliament about UNGA activities, and raised concerns over accountability.

Federal Civil Service Bill: The government registered the Federal Civil Service Bill in Parliament, aiming for a “paradigm shift” in accountability and performance, with key proposals including mandatory retirement at 60, a level-based structure, and 49% reservation for inclusive recruitment (50% of reserved posts for women, plus other targeted groups). Parliament & governance: Nepali Congress leader Vishmaraj Angdembey said the government’s first six months fall short despite a clear majority, while President Ram Chandra Paudel prorogued both Houses effective Oct 2. Kathmandu public safety: KMC began expanding vaccination micro-plans for public and private providers, and Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police is preparing to make fire extinguishers mandatory on public passenger vehicles. Economy & markets: NEPSE closed nearly flat at 2,599.15 with turnover of Rs 4.89bn; gold and silver prices stayed steady. Disaster recovery & climate: One month after the Bhotekoshi flood, focus is shifting toward recovery and reconstruction, with recovery needs estimated at about USD 4.77bn; meanwhile, heavy rain and landslides have again killed around 30 and stranded trekkers. Energy & connectivity: NEA approved selling 86MW to India during monsoon; Himalaya Airlines launched direct Kathmandu–Hangzhou flights. Sports: Nepal’s four judokas were eliminated in the Asian Games opening round, and Punam Shrestha also exited.

Aviation Security: An Indian captain on a Flydubai Dubai–Tel Aviv flight fought off a co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash the plane, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia; Israeli officials say the pilot was stabbed and passengers helped subdue the attacker. Disaster Aftermath: A month after the Bhotekoshi floods, survivors in Rasuwa still face broken roads and lost livelihoods, with relief easing danger but not enabling return to work. Road Safety for Dashain: Kathmandu Valley traffic police will strictly enforce the rule that long-distance night buses must have two drivers, citing fatigue-related accident risks as festive travel nears. Public Health Regulation: The government is drafting a separate law to regulate social media and introduce age-based restrictions for children, alongside planned strengthening of Press Council powers. Climate Push: MPs urged stronger climate justice and climate finance positions for COP-31, including early warning and safer housing linked to Loss and Damage funds. Markets & Economy: NEPSE slipped below 2,600 points as turnover rose; SEBON says capital-market reforms and investor protection measures are underway. Energy & Trade: NEA plans to sell up to 86 MW surplus electricity to India; FNCCI urges China to reopen Tatopani customs to ease trade disruptions. Legal & Environment: The Supreme Court ordered full nationwide enforcement of the 40-micron plastic bag ban, citing weak coordination.

Bhotekoshi Flood Aftermath: Nepal is still dealing with the fallout of the disaster, with 430 MW knocked out of the grid and the government/NEA working on alternative winter power supply, including additional underground transmission grids for Kathmandu’s Balaju and Chapali. Rain Disaster Toll: Authorities report 27 deaths and 4 missing from rain-related incidents since Sept 24, with hundreds of landslides, floods, and damaged houses and bridges. Capital Market Push: Investors and the Finance Committee are pressing for a new Securities Act, while SEBON unveiled a three-phase reform strategy and outlined risk-based regulation; NEPSE also slipped 4.82 points to close at 2,598.89. Civil Service Bill: The Cabinet decided to table the Federal Civil Service Bill in Parliament, ending the ordinance route. Politics & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said PM Balendra Shah’s India visit is planned but the date is not final; Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle returned from AIIB’s Doha meeting where Nepal was elected vice-chair. Sports: Nepal exited the Asian Games after a rain-washed cricket quarter-final; the karate team returned with Tenzing Sherpa winning bronze.

Disaster Response: Nepal’s monsoon death toll rose to 35 as landslides and floods keep disrupting roads and services, with highways into Kathmandu still affected and stranded trucks starting to move again. Bhotekoshi Recovery: Insurance claims linked to the Aug 26 Rasuwa floods topped about Rs 21 billion, while the Nepal Insurance Authority eased claim procedures and deadlines to speed payouts. Parliament & Governance: The Cabinet has authorized tabling the Federal Civil Service Bill, aiming to reduce retirement-age concerns by protecting benefits for those over 55, and lawmakers also pushed for faster reconstruction and stronger disaster-risk management. Communications: The communications minister ordered Nepal Telecom to restore flood-disrupted services, even where power is delayed. Politics: KP Sharma Oli warned UML cadres against indiscipline and said party unity talks are off the table, while the Supreme Court and police continue to trade statements over former CJ Cholendra Rana’s “rescue” and security. Transport & Economy: Himalaya Airlines resumed direct Kathmandu–Shanghai flights, and Kathmandu Valley traffic police plan tighter enforcement of the two-driver rule for night long-distance buses during Dashain. Media & Rights: Press Council Nepal condemned threats and mistreatment of its staff during a dispute involving print media ads. International: Nepal’s PM used the UNGA to press for climate justice and a Himalayan resilience mechanism involving Nepal, India and China.

Himalayan Disaster: Nepal has suspended the search for 12 missing Nepali workers after the Himlung avalanche; four bodies have been recovered so far, with rescuers saying survival chances are gone and operations will resume when snow conditions improve. Monsoon Toll: Heavy rainfall since Sep 24 has killed 27 people across 542 disaster incidents, with four still missing and eight injured; landslides and floods damaged homes, bridges, and infrastructure. Energy Worry: Officials warn winter load-shedding could return as hydropower and supply are hit by recent floods and ongoing infrastructure damage, with NEA planning imports to stabilize demand. Parliament Watch: The HoR passed the “Bill to Revive Provisions of Some Nepal Acts” and lawmakers pushed for faster reconstruction, safer settlements, and action against market price gouging. Environment & Courts: The Supreme Court ordered strict nationwide enforcement of the plastic bag ban and single-use plastic limits. Economy & Markets: NEPSE fell again, down 9.62 points, as turnover dropped to Rs 4.65 billion. Regional Ties: Nepal and China began talks to clear bottlenecks at the Kodari border checkpoint to improve trade flow. Tourism & Travel: Kanti Lokpath reopened for one-way traffic after landslides, while Himalayan Airlines resumed direct Kathmandu–Shanghai flights.

Disaster Response: Nepal logged 272 disaster incidents in 24 hours, with 21 dead, four missing and 1,181 rescued; landslides led the toll, while floods and continuous rain also disrupted roads and livestock. Flood Aftermath & Power: NEA estimates Rs 74 billion damage to power infrastructure after the Aug 26 floods, and projects importing up to 1,154 MW from India for winter supply. Mountain Tragedy: A Himlung Himal avalanche killed four and left 12 missing as rescue teams battled severe weather; separate reports also describe a landslide collapsing into the Kali Gandaki in Mustang. Health & Safety: Rabies remains undercounted, with a four-year-old death reportedly not appearing in government records; the DoHS also cites anti-rabies vaccine shortages and wastage. Parliament & Law: HoR unanimously approved a bill on security of health workers and a first amendment to the mother’s milk substitutes law. Economy & Business: FNCCI urges withdrawal of electricity VAT, warning it will raise costs for industry and tourism. Politics: Nepali Congress is weighing postponing its 15th general convention by 3 days to a week due to weather disruptions. Sports: Nepal faces Sri Lanka in Asian Games cricket quarter-finals, but rain could wash out the match.

Himlung Avalanche: Rescue teams recovered four bodies after an avalanche hit Mt. Himlung base camp in Manang, while 12 remain missing; helicopters airlifted survivors and the dead as weather improved after days of rain. Monsoon Disasters: Heavy rainfall across Nepal has killed 21 people, injured five and left five missing, with landslides and floods disrupting roads and power in multiple districts. Road Disruptions & Festival Travel: Parliament’s infrastructure committee ordered safer, smoother travel during Dashain, Tihar and Chhath, while highways remain blocked or partially open as authorities promise clearance before Dashain. NEPSE Slide: Nepal Stock Exchange fell 16.47 points to close at 2,613.33, with turnover hitting Rs 5.38 billion. AIIB Talks: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle met AIIB President Zou Jiayi, urging more investment and concessional financing for Nepal’s reconstruction. Rule-of-Law Row: Lawmakers from multiple parties questioned the midnight arrest and quick release of former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana, calling it state terror and demanding answers. Women’s Transport: A lawmaker raised the delay in implementing the women-friendly blue bus service. Tourism & Economy: FNCCI urged withdrawal of VAT on electricity tariffs; tourism officials pushed better coordination and digital skills for hotels and restaurants.

Avalanche in Manang: Two Nepali guides were confirmed dead and at least 12 others are still missing after a snow avalanche buried the Himlung Himal (7,126m) base camp in Narpa Bhumi, with rescue hampered by bad weather and helicopters unable to land. Monsoon disaster toll: Incessant rain and landslides across Nepal have killed 21 people, with 5 missing and hundreds of families affected, as rivers swell and roads remain disrupted. Flood risk alert: Authorities warn flash-flood risk in dozens of districts, urging people to stay away from riverbanks and hilly slopes and to avoid non-essential travel. Power hit by floods: Electricity supply disruptions of over 900MW were reported, with transmission line damage and hydropower shutdowns affecting parts of the grid. Malaysia flood follow-up: At Wisma Putra, Malaysia briefed families of 55 uncontactable citizens and said Nepal is considering legal steps to determine status, while families also raised concerns about search limits and possible early end to SAR. Roads and Kathmandu: With highways blocked by rain and landslides, traffic is being rerouted and schedules introduced, while Kathmandu’s weather has eased after days of downpours.

Himlung Himal Avalanche: At least 10 Nepali climbers and support staff are missing after an avalanche hit the Himlung Himal base camp in Manang, with rescue efforts hampered by bad weather. Monsoon Disaster Toll: Floods and landslides across Nepal have killed 10 and left four missing, while heavy rain continues to disrupt communities and roads. Road Blockades: Seven national highways are fully blocked and several others are partially operating after landslides, mudflows and erosion, including major routes linking Kathmandu Valley. Power Disruptions: Flooding damaged transmission infrastructure and the newly connected 40MW Rahughata hydropower project in Myagdi, raising concerns for wider electricity supply. Kathmandu Weather: Skies cleared in the valley after days of rain, though scattered showers remain possible. Bhotekoshi Aid: The UAE pledged an additional $25 million for Bhotekoshi flood-affected communities, alongside ongoing international support. Rana Detention Fallout: Former chief justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana was taken into police custody citing a security threat, then released after hours, sparking legal and rights questions. Tourism Update: Nepal ranked among the world’s fastest-improving tourism economies in a WEF index, even as weather risks keep travel advisories in place. Nepali Congress: Party constituency conventions are underway across multiple districts as part of its general convention process.

Flood Recovery & Climate Justice: PM Balendra Shah returned from the UN General Assembly, urging climate justice into action after the Aug. 26 Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods, while Nepal’s proposal for a “Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism” gained fresh attention. Disaster Toll Update: One month on, NDRRMA says 1,453 died and 5,285 remain unaccounted for, with 13,795 rescued; DNA samples have been collected to identify victims. Relief Efforts: Nepal Red Cross stepped up support with non-food items, tarpaulins, WASH services, mental health support, tracing and body bags for flood-affected families. New Rain Disruptions: Heavy rainfall is again disrupting life—11 highways are blocked, Panchase in Kaski recorded 189mm in 24 hours, and Kathmandu’s vegetable supply to Kalimati has dropped sharply, pushing prices up. Infrastructure & Safety Checks: Dhap Dam is declared safe as reservoir levels are managed; Kanti Highway traffic is restricted at night due to landslide risk. Finance & Diplomacy: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle left for Doha to attend AIIB meetings, while Nepal also established diplomatic relations with Senegal. Tourism & Economy: A week-long focus on rebuilding traveller confidence follows the floods, as investors react to weather fears and NEPSE slips.

Flood Aftermath: One month after the Aug 26 Bhotekoshi flash floods, Nepal’s death toll has reached 1,453 and 5,285 people remain missing, with 13,795 rescued; only 112 bodies have been identified and handed to families as DNA profiling continues amid badly damaged remains. UN Climate Diplomacy: PM Balendra Shah used his UNGA debut to push climate justice and propose a tri-national Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism with India and China, while experts say the message now needs a clear implementation roadmap. Foreign Policy & Peacekeeping: FM Shisir Khanal met UN Deputy Secretary-General Atul Khare to discuss Nepal’s role in UN peacekeeping and operational support needs. New Rain Threats: Heavy rain has triggered disruptions across Nepal, blocking 11 highways and affecting travel into Kathmandu; authorities also issued flood alerts for 58 districts, including Kathmandu. Kathmandu Culture: Devotees gathered for Kumari Puja, and the Indra Jatra festive season continues with the new Royal Kumari beginning her city tour. Sports: Nepal advanced to the Asian Games cricket quarter-finals, set to face Sri Lanka after rain-affected matches.