Bhotekoshi flood relief and political response in Nepal

Following the devastating Bhotekoshi flood on August 26, political leaders in Nepal began coordinating relief and reconstruction efforts.

Initially, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) convened an all-party meeting to discuss forming a high-level mechanism for rescue and long-term reconstruction. The RSP pledged to support government operations while advocating for climate adaptation and national disaster policy reforms. Party leadership also issued directives to prevent “disaster tourism” by supporters in affected districts such as Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan.

By mid-September, political parties reached a consensus to form a parliamentary special committee within one week to oversee search, rescue, relief, and reconstruction. This committee is tasked with investigating the disaster and providing recommendations to the government. A multi-party mechanism, coordinated by RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and including representatives from the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, will remain active. Additionally, political leaders have called for the establishment of an autonomous reconstruction authority and urged the government to advocate for international climate justice.