**Nepal Issues Flood Warnings as Communities Struggle with Aftermath of Recent Disasters**
**By Jerry Fisayo-Bambi with AP**
**Published on 30/08/2026 - 9:42 GMT+2**
Authorities in Nepal have issued warnings for potential new flooding as communities continue to deal with the devastation caused by recent catastrophic floods. The warnings come in the wake of rising water levels in the Bhotekoshi River, prompting officials to urge residents in affected districts to remain vigilant.
On Sunday morning, flood warning notifications were sent to residents' mobile phones, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Rescue crews are actively engaged in clearing major highways, particularly the Prithivi Highway, which connects Kathmandu to some of the areas hardest hit by the floods that occurred earlier in the week.
In Galchhi, a town severely impacted by the flooding, residents were seen seeking refuge on a nearby bridge, where they observed the turbulent waters of the river. Eyewitness accounts described the sight of large boulders swept downstream during the floods, while others were warned to stay away from precarious areas, such as a suspension bridge that spanned the river.
The aftermath of the flooding has left a visible mark on the landscape, with entire homes, vehicles, and agricultural equipment partially submerged in thick layers of sediment that have engulfed villages in the worst-hit areas. Rice terraces along the riverbanks have also suffered from landslides, with large sections of farmland collapsing into the water.
The combined toll from the flooding in both Nepal and Tibet has reached alarming levels, with reports indicating at least 750 fatalities and over 3,000 individuals reported missing. Nepal's disaster agency has confirmed that the death toll in the country has risen to 734, with 2,498 people still unaccounted for. In Tibet, Chinese authorities have reported 16 deaths and 546 missing persons, including Nepali nationals and individuals from various other countries.
The warnings of potential new flooding were reinforced by information from Chinese officials, who reported increased water flow upstream. Dharam Raj Uprety, the chief executive of Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, emphasized the importance of staying alert in light of these developments.
Residents in the flood-affected villages have expressed confusion and frustration over the frequent flood alerts. Local resident Govind Shreshta described the challenges faced by families, particularly those with elderly members. “Sometimes they say a flood is coming, then we have to run again to higher ground, even at night. There is also rain,” he said, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the ongoing crisis.
The destruction of large concrete and smaller suspension bridges has further complicated rescue and recovery efforts, isolating communities on either side of the river. Sattan Singh Tamang, a local worker, noted the difficulties faced by those stranded on either side of the river due to the loss of crucial infrastructure.
In addition to the physical damage, many homes and businesses that survived the flooding are currently without electricity. Twisted power lines and poles lie tangled in the mud, complicating efforts to restore services. While most of the Prithivi Highway remains operational, certain sections are still facing significant repair challenges, impacting the delivery of essential supplies, including food and fuel, to Kathmandu.
As Nepal grapples with the aftermath of these devastating floods, the government and local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain prepared for potential further flooding. The ongoing crisis underscores the vulnerability of communities in the region to extreme weather events and the need for effective disaster management strategies to mitigate future risks.