Flooding in Nepal and Tibet Tibet Why it happened: What science has learned

A massive flood disaster has struck Nepal, leaving entire villages submerged and infrastructure destroyed, according to reports from local and international media. The situation is described as unprecedented in scale, with experts warning that the catastrophe has exceeded all previous expectations. Jürg Merz, head of Asia operations for the Swiss aid organization Helvetas, spoke directly from the affected area, describing the devastation as “immense.” Entire communities have been washed away, with some areas showing signs of destruction up to the fifth floor of buildings. A hydroelectric power plant has disappeared entirely, leaving behind only its pipes, while homes have either collapsed or are buried under sludge. The flooding, which occurred on August 28, 2026, has caused widespread damage along the Trishuli River near the town of Nuwakot. According to Helvetas, over 45 hanging bridges and 35 road bridges have been destroyed, making access to many areas nearly impossible. Local authorities are struggling to respond effectively due to the sheer scale of the crisis. The lack of roads and bridges has forced emergency services to rely heavily on helicopters to evacuate stranded residents from the opposite bank of the river. Power shortages further complicate relief efforts, particularly on one side of the river. Mobile phone towers remain without electricity, preventing communication and making it difficult for families to reach loved ones. This has created additional challenges for both survivors and rescue teams. The disruption of communication networks has also hindered the coordination of aid distribution, despite efforts by organizations such as Helvetas to provide immediate assistance. Helvetas has begun deploying solar lanterns to help residents charge their phones, ensuring they can maintain contact with relatives and access critical information. In addition, the organization is working with functioning markets to provide financial support so that individuals can purchase essential supplies. These measures aim to restore basic necessities such as shelter, clean water, and food. However, the scope of the disaster continues to expand, with thousands of households requiring urgent assistance. The impact of the floods extends beyond Nepal’s borders, affecting regions in Tibet as well. Reports indicate that more than 1,400 people are missing in the region, including one Swiss national. The death toll has surpassed 500, though exact figures remain uncertain due to the ongoing search and recovery operations. The disaster has overwhelmed local resources, prompting calls for increased international support. The Swiss company Glückskette has launched a fundraising campaign to assist the affected population, urging donations through its website and via a QR code. Jürg Merz, who has spent over two decades working in Nepal, emphasized that this disaster surpasses even the devastation caused by the 2015 earthquake. He noted that while early warning systems and cooperation agreements with neighboring countries like China were in place, the magnitude of the flood proved too great. The waters reportedly swept away the very equipment meant to monitor and alert authorities, rendering these systems ineffective. Despite these setbacks, Merz expressed confidence that the lessons learned from past crises have improved the efficiency and responsiveness of current aid efforts. Survivors describe the emotional toll of losing everything, homes, livestock, and personal belongings. While trauma is evident, locals demonstrate resilience, having endured similar hardships before. Many are determined to rebuild their lives, relying on community solidarity and external support. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on providing immediate relief and long-term recovery, with continued monitoring of the evolving crisis.