NEPAL • AUGUST 26, 2026
WHEN THE�RIVER ROSE
A short story of the 2026 Bhote Koshi–Trishuli flash floods
Rasuwa • flood aftermath
Storytelling presentation
01
At least 84,270 to over 90,000 people were officially reported as affected by the catastrophic late-August 2026 flash floods and debris flows in Nepal
01 — THE BEGINNING
An ordinary morning.
Then the mountain river changed.
The flood carried water, sediment and boulders.
8:40–9:00 AM
Water levels rose rapidly in the Bhote Koshi basin. The surge moved downstream into the Trishuli system, affecting communities in Rasuwa and farther downstream.
The event was sudden enough that some communities had only minutes to react.
02
Source: ICIMOD, 26 Aug. 2026
02 — THE PATH
From the Himalaya to the river corridor
The story moved downstream.
SCHEMATIC MAP
Rasuwa
Nuwakot
Dhading
Chitwan
Bhote Koshi → Trishuli → Narayani
Rasuwa • Nuwakot • Dhading • downstream areas
Rasuwa
Initial impact
Nuwakot
Trishuli corridor
Dhading
Downstream impact
A schematic map — not to scale
03
Map reference: Maps of Nepal; corridor details: NSET / ICIMOD
03 — THE HUMAN COST
Behind every number is a person.
The scale is difficult to imagine.
1,453
reported deaths
5,644
people still missing
These figures were reported in the UN situation report covering Sept. 15–22, and casualty numbers may continue to change as searches and identification continue.
04
Source: UN Nepal / OCHA Situation Report No. 9, 25 Sept. 2026
04 — AFTER THE WATER
The disaster did not end when the river fell.
Recovery became the next chapter.
HOMES & ROADS
Communities faced damaged homes, bridges and roads, making access difficult.
LIVELIHOODS
Markets, farms, tourism and hydropower operations were disrupted.
DEBRIS
An estimated 2.2 million tonnes of debris complicated clearance and recovery.
Recovery means more than rebuilding structures: it means restoring access, livelihoods, services and safety.
05
Source: UN Nepal / OCHA Situation Report No. 9; NSET
05 — THE RESPONSE
And then came the rescuers.
Search, relief and rebuilding continue.
Nepal Army helicopter rescue
RESCUE
Helicopters, security forces, engineers and local communities reached isolated areas.
RELIEF
Food, shelter, water and health support continue across affected districts.
RECOVERY
Roads, bridges, schools, water systems and livelihoods now need long-term rebuilding.
06
Photo reference: AFP / Getty Images; response: UN Nepal / OCHA
06 — The ending
THE WATER WENT DOWN.
BUT NEPAL’S STORY CONTINUES.
“A disaster is measured in numbers.�Recovery is measured in lives rebuilt.”
The flood changed communities in minutes. Rebuilding will take much longer.
Thank you
07