Nepal Police Issues Warning Following Devastating Floods

In the wake of devastating floods in Nepal, the police have issued a warning against keeping or selling valuables found after the disaster. This advisory follows a recent incident involving theft from a bank safe displaced by the floods. As the country grapples with the aftermath, efforts are underway to reassure international tourists that Nepal remains open for travel. Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Poudel has launched a campaign to encourage visitors, emphasizing the importance of tourism for the nation's recovery. With over 1,300 lives lost and thousands missing, the situation remains critical as authorities focus on recovery and safety.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 7, 2026, 15:05 IST

Urgent Advisory from Nepal Police

A policeman with a sniffer dog surveys the damage caused by flash floods in Devighat, Nepal. (Photo:PTI)

Kathmandu, Sept 7: In light of the recent floods on August 26, Nepal Police has issued a warning advising citizens against keeping, selling, or distributing any gold, silver, cash, or other valuables that may have been discovered in the aftermath.

The police emphasized in a statement released on Sunday that possessing, hiding, or trading such items could lead to legal repercussions. They urged individuals to report any found valuables to the nearest police station and assist in returning them to their rightful owners.

While the police did not directly associate this warning with any specific event, it follows a recent incident where 29 individuals were apprehended in Dhading district for allegedly breaking into a bank safe that had been displaced by the floods and stealing cash from it.

The safe was located along the banks of the Trishuli River in Belkhukhola, as reported by a local news outlet. The suspects were subsequently arrested.

Nepal Police also noted that disasters often create opportunities for increased theft and fraud, particularly when security forces are engaged in search and rescue missions.

The flash floods, caused by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, have wreaked havoc across northern and central Nepal, resulting in over 1,300 fatalities and leaving around 5,000 individuals unaccounted for.

In response to the crisis, Nepal is intensifying efforts to assure international tourists that the country remains accessible for travel.

Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Poudel has initiated a social media campaign under the hashtag "Nepal Calling," encouraging foreign visitors to explore the country and its trekking routes, which are ready to welcome travelers.

"Nepal is still open... Our Himalayan trekking routes are still waiting for you," he stated in a video message shared on social media.

He added, "Visiting Nepal now is not just a vacation; it also significantly aids the nation as it recovers from the catastrophic floods." According to government statistics, tourism accounts for approximately 6.7% of Nepal's GDP, both directly and indirectly, and supports over one million jobs.