- Saturday, 12 September 2026
Kathmandu, Sept 12: Former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal has said a steady rise in global temperature is having serious implications for the mountainous region, underlining the need to enhance Nepal-China cooperation to minimise trans-border risk arising from climate adversity.
Addressing the third series of the Kasthamandap Dialogue organised by the Foundation for Peace, Development and Socialism here today, Khanal stressed that a regional and global cooperation is a must to reduce risk of climate change impact in the mountainous region.
“The Bhote Koshi disaster does not remain merely a national issue or a regional concern between Nepal and China; rather, it is a global consequence of carbon emissions caused by industrialized countries for a long time,” he said, referring to the recent catastrophic floods that struck the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system.
Expressing concern over the serious impacts of climate change that Nepal is facing despite its minimal contribution to the Co2 emissions, the former Prime Minister echoed the need for effective exchange of weather and flood-related information, coordinated disaster preparedness, and Nepal’s convenient access to international climate finance.
Describing railway, road and communications connectivity and other trans-border infrastructure as highly significant elements for Nepal’s development and economic growth, he said that expansion of physical and digital connectivity have contributed to the promotion of Nepal-China trade, investment and the people-to-people relations.
He pressed for the need to prioritise the enhancement of Nepal-China Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, and the trans-border railway connectivity. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework needs to be advanced,” he stressed. He was of the opinion of taking into account the growing risk of natural disasters while developing connectivity infrastructure.
The senior leader of Nepali Communist Party (NC) also expressed gratitude to the Government of China for its technical and humanitarian assistance to Nepal during disasters. He also termed China as Nepal’s reliable friend, which always stands with Nepal during prosperity and each adversity.
He also applauded China for its continuous support to Nepal’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, reiterating Nepal’s commitments to a one-China policy. He said that Nepali territory would not to be allowed for activities that are against China and its interests.
Bhotekoshi floods affect 17 branches of various banks
Kathmandu, Sept 12: The recent flooding in Bhotekoshi, Rasuwa, on August 26 has significantly impacted the banking sector, affecting 17 branches of 12 banks.
A total damages caused by the floods estimates at Rs 720.4 million, as reported by the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
The Agricultural Development Bank has experienced the most substantial losses, with one branch alone suffering Rs 650 million in damages. Other banks have also reported notable losses, including Citizen Bank with Rs 15.6 million, Global IME Bank with Rs 1.l million, and Lakshmi Sunrise Bank with Rs 120 million.
Additionally, branches of Machhapuchchhre Bank, Nabil Bank, NIC Asia Bank, Nepal Investment Bank, NMB Bank, Prabhu Bank, and Sanima Bank have all incurred varying degrees of financial loss.
Focus must be on reconstruction and rehabilitation: Dahal
Dhading, Sept 12: Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, the Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), underscored the need to prioritize permanent reconstruction and rehabilitation initiatives, in addition to temporary solutions, in regions severely impacted by floods.
Following his visit to the flood-stricken areas in Galchi, Dhading today, he acknowledged the considerable human and material losses inflicted by the disaster, asserting that the time for reconstruction is now.
“The physical damage is substantial. We must focus on both temporary and permanent restoration efforts, as well as providing relief to those affected by the floods,” he stated.
Dahal, the Prime Minister, stated that the NCP has been actively engaged in disaster response from the outset. He added that a committee has been formed to manage the recovery efforts, headed by party leader Gangalal Tuladhar, who possesses a strong background in disaster management.
Dahal further said that the party leaders and volunteers have been dispatched to the affected areas, and he praised the efforts of the party’s youth organization, the Young Communist League (YCL), in aiding those affected by the floods.
Banke’s schools and hospitals aid Rs 12.5 million for flood survivors
Ranjha (Banke), Sept 12: Private schools and hospitals in Banke have aided over Rs 12.5 million for the Bhotekoshi flood survivors.
The schools associated with Private and Boarding Schools Organizations, Nepal (PABSON) Banke chapter contributed Rs 6.5 million, while private hospitals donated Rs 6.07 million.
According to PABSON Banke chair Bikas Bajracharya, Rs 5.34 million out of the total amount collected from 77 private and residential schools in Banke and Rs 6.07 million collected from the hospitals here was donated to be deposited to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund.
Dr. Pratik Shrestha, Director of Lifeline General Hospital, informed RSS that the contributions include rs 2.4 million each from Nepalgunj Medical College Teaching Hospital, and Kohalpur, Sanjeevani College of Medical Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Rs 511,000 from Nepalgunj; Fatehbal Eye Hospital, Rs 250,000 from HCRC Hospital, and Rs 116,513 from Neuro Hospital.
Likewise, Sagar Hospital Nepalgunj contributed Rs 101,000; and Lifeline General Hospital Nepalgunj contributed Rs 100,000, he shared. —
