Nepal Forms Committee to Investigate Economic Impact of Flash Floods

In response to the catastrophic flash floods in Rasuwa, Nepal has established a seven-member parliamentary sub-committee to assess the economic impact and explore climate finance issues. Led by Sushila Khadka of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, the committee aims to investigate the repercussions of the August 26 disaster, which has claimed over 1,365 lives and left thousands missing. As Nepal seeks financial resources for rebuilding and pushes for climate-related compensation from major greenhouse gas emitters, this initiative highlights the urgent need to address the consequences of climate change on the nation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 9, 2026, 16:19 IST

Formation of a Parliamentary Sub-Committee

Kathmandu: On Wednesday, a seven-member sub-committee was established to evaluate the economic repercussions of the catastrophic flash floods in Rasuwa and to explore climate finance issues, as reported by officials.

This committee was created during a session of the Finance Committee of the House of Representatives (HoR) at Singhadurbar, according to Parliament Secretariat officials.

Lawmaker Sushila Khadka from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) will lead the sub-committee, which is responsible for investigating the economic effects of the flash flood that occurred on August 26, along with matters related to climate change and financial resources.

Krishna Hari Budhathoki, the Chairman of the Finance Committee, stated that the sub-committee is expected to present its findings by September 18 following their research.

The panel includes members such as Narendra Kumar Kerung from the Nepali Congress, Parashu Ram Tamang from the Communist Party of Nepal (Chaum), Pushpa Raj Kandel from CPN-UML, and RSP members Lima Adhikari, Pushpa Chaudhary, and Sushant Vaidik.

The flash floods, which were caused by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, wreaked havoc on towns and villages across northern and central Nepal.

The Bhotekoshi River, originating from the Himalayan border area, carried the floodwaters downstream, destroying homes, vehicles, roads, bridges, and damaging hydropower facilities.

Officials report that at least 1,365 individuals have lost their lives, with over 5,000 still unaccounted for following the disaster.

The establishment of this parliamentary committee comes as Nepal evaluates the broader economic impact of the disaster and the urgent need for financial support to restore infrastructure affected by severe weather events.

Additionally, Nepal is initiating diplomatic efforts to obtain climate-related compensation from major greenhouse gas emitters for the devastation caused by the flash floods, emphasizing that despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, the country is facing severe consequences from climate change, including rapid glacier melting and extreme mountain disasters.