Parliament Discusses Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Floods: ‘This Is Not Propaganda, It’s Time to Save Lives’

On the eighth day following the devastating Bhote Koshi-Trishuli floods, Prime Minister Walendra Shah ‘Balen’ briefed the Parliament on the government’s efforts, while opposition leaders pointed out shortcomings in several areas. During Wednesday’s session of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister detailed the steps the government has taken so far in rescue and relief operations for flood victims. Opposition party leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response and highlighted that their recommendations have been overlooked.

The Prime Minister reported that at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, residents of flood-prone areas were urged to move to safe locations, followed by an SMS alert sent at 9:35 a.m. So far, more than 1,100 bodies have been recovered, with only 95 identified. He informed that DNA testing and other methods are being used, including underground facilities, to ensure secure identification. Since the incident, 11,993 people have been rescued, but 3,916 remain unaccounted for.

Bishmaraj Angdembe, the chief opposition leader from Nepali Congress, described the catastrophic flood on Bhadra 10 as “a tsunami-like disaster.” He emphasized that during such a calamity, everyone should unite in rescue, relief, and reconstruction efforts; however, he clarified that this does not mean unconditional support for the government in all matters.

Ram Bahadur Thapa, leader of the parliamentary party of CPN-UML, referred to the Bhadra 10 flood in Rasuwa as a “night of disaster.” He stressed that the Prime Minister needs to abandon unilateral decision-making and regularly inform the Parliament about government plans. Gyanendra Bahadur Shahi, parliamentary party leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, pointed out that despite repeated appeals for rescue equipment and its prompt deployment, effective operations have been lacking.