Bhotekoshi flood response, political and legal developments, and key economic updates shaped today’s news.
Politics & Governance
Prime Minister Balen Shah assured that there will be no budget shortage for Bhotekoshi flood relief and reconstruction in Rasuwa, following meetings with local representatives on immediate recovery steps. The briefing focused on reopening damaged roads and building temporary infrastructure, after officials reported major losses including 19 bridges. Prime Minister Balen Shah assures no budget shortage for Bhotekoshi flood relief and reconstruction
In party politics, a Sher Bahadur Deuba-led faction of the Nepali Congress announced a 15th general convention from December 7 to 9, citing concerns over the establishment faction’s approach to party unity. The preparation coordinator, Dr. Shashank Koirala, said the solution should reflect both legal and political requirements while the establishment faction is scheduled for other internal conventions starting September 19. Deuba-led faction to hold 15th general convention from December 7
Courts & Accountability
The Mahottari District Court issued an arrest warrant in a homicide case, but police said they were obstructed by supporters of the Rastriya Swatantra Party while attempting to apprehend the accused, Roman Pratap Singh. Police reported that Roman escaped amid the disruption, and investigations are ongoing into the alleged involvement of MP Hari Dhakal and party members. Raswpa MP Hari Dhakal-led arrest warrant row investigated after accused escapes
In Birgunj, Rajeshman Singh, the mayor of Birgunj Metropolitan City, was reinstated after being acquitted by the Special Court, which resolved uncertainty over municipal leadership. The case involved allegations related to citizenship documentation, and supporters welcomed the court’s decision as restoring justice. Special Court acquittal leads to Birgunj mayor Rajeshman Singh reinstatement
Economy & Business
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle is set to visit India for two days to meet Indian officials, including discussions with the finance and external affairs ministers. The trip is aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, including investment promotion for Nepal’s hospitality and wellness sectors, alongside engagements connected to business and academic institutions. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle to visit India on two-day trip
On consumer supplies, Nepal reported an improvement in the LPG situation after importing over 52,700 tonnes, which is expected to ease market shortages. The update indicates a supply increase intended to reduce the ongoing delivery constraints faced by consumers. Over 52,700 tonnes of LPG imported; supply improving
Society & Community
Bhotekoshi flood search and rescue efforts continued amid ongoing missing-person reports, with 143 people from Sudurpaschim Province still unaccounted for even as 71 have been reported as having made contact. The emergency coordination updates also noted that Kailali recorded the highest number of missing at 67, while one confirmed fatality was reported from Baitadi and families urged faster efforts. Bhotekoshi floods: 143 persons from Sudurpaschim Province still unaccounted for, 71 come in contact
Relief mobilization expanded in parallel, with over NPR 11.89 million reportedly collected in Kaski for flood victims, including major contributions from hotels in Pokhara. The government also outlined reconstruction timelines, aiming to restore traffic in flood-affected Bhote Koshi areas by mid-September through dedicated task forces for roads and bridges. Over NPR 11.89 million relief collected from Kaski for Bhotekoshi flood victims Roads in flood-affected areas to be operational by mid-Sept.: Minister Lamsal
Date: September 15, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Bhadau 30, 2083
Top News
1. Bhotekoshi floods: 143 persons from Sudurpaschim Province still unaccounted for, 71 come in contact (theannapurnaexpress.com)
In the aftermath of the Bhotekoshi floods, 143 individuals from Sudurpaschim Province remain unaccounted for, while 71 have made contact with their families. The Emergency Operation Centre reported that the missing individuals were working in various districts, with Kailali district recording the highest number at 67. One confirmed fatality has been reported from Baitadi, and families of the missing are urging the government to expedite search and rescue efforts.
2. रास्वपा सांसद हरि ढकालको नेतृत्वमा पक्राउ पुर्जी जारी अभियुक्त भगाइएको आरोप, प्रहरी अवरोधबारे छानबिन हुँदै (newsofnepal.com)
A warrant for the arrest of Roman Pratap Singh has been issued by the Mahottari District Court in a homicide case, but police were obstructed by supporters of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswpa), including MP Hari Dhakal, while attempting to apprehend him. The police confirmed that Roman escaped due to the disruption caused by the crowd, and investigations are ongoing regarding the roles of the MP and party members in the incident. The warrant was issued following a violent clash during a Raswpa event in May, which resulted in injuries to five individuals.
3. Bhanu Municipality becomes first in Gandaki province to launch land services (risingnepaldaily.com)
Bhanu Municipality has become the first municipality in Gandaki Province to launch land services. This initiative aims to streamline land-related processes for residents.
4. PM Balen Shah assures no budget shortage for Bhotekoshi flood relief, reconstruction (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Prime Minister Balen Shah assured that there will be sufficient funding for relief and reconstruction in areas affected by the Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa. During a meeting with local representatives, he emphasized the need for immediate measures to address challenges in relief distribution, including the reopening of damaged roads and the construction of temporary infrastructure. Local officials reported significant damage, including the loss of 19 bridges, and proposed financial support for affected families and the development of safer settlements.
5. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle to visit India on two-day trip (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle will visit India for two days on September 18 and 19 to meet with Indian officials, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The trip aims to promote investment in Nepal's hospitality and wellness sectors, with discussions also focusing on economic cooperation between Nepal and India. Wagle will participate in an event organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry and address the Delhi School of Economics.
6. Deuba-led faction to hold 15th general convention from December 7 (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The faction led by Sher Bahadur Deuba of the Nepali Congress will hold its 15th general convention from December 7-9, following dissatisfaction with the establishment faction's lack of interest in party unity. Dr. Shashank Koirala, coordinator of the preparation committee, emphasized the need for a solution that respects both legal and political aspects. Meanwhile, the establishment faction plans to hold its own ward conventions starting September 19, with its general convention scheduled for October 2-5.
7. भोटेकोशीका बाढी पीडितका लागि कास्कीबाट १ करोड १८ लाखभन्दा बढी राहत संकलन (www.ratopati.com)
Various organizations and citizens in Kaski have raised over NPR 11.89 million for the victims of the Bhotekoshi flood. The largest contribution came from 23 hotels under the Pokhara Hotel Association, totaling NPR 2.93 million, while other organizations have directly deposited funds into the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund or distributed relief materials to affected areas.
8. Roads in flood-affected areas to be operational by mid-Sept.: Minister Lamsal (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The government aims to restore traffic on roads in flood-affected Bhote Koshi areas by mid-September, as stated by Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal. Eight thematic task forces have been established to expedite the reconstruction of roads and bridges, with a focus on coordination among local representatives and agencies. Minister Bikram Timilsina emphasized the need for NGOs to collaborate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority to support flood survivors effectively.
9. विशेष अदालतबाट सफाइ पाएपछि वीरगञ्जका मेयर सिंह पुनःबहाल (rajdhanidaily.com)
Rajeshman Singh, the mayor of Birgunj Metropolitan City, has been reinstated after being acquitted by the Special Court. The court's decision has resolved uncertainties regarding the leadership of the municipality, and Singh's supporters have celebrated the ruling as a victory for justice. Previously, Singh faced charges for allegedly obtaining citizenship for another's daughter as his own.
10. Over 52,700 tonnes of LPG imported Supply of LPG getting improved (risingnepaldaily.com)
Nepal has imported over 52,700 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), leading to an improvement in the supply situation. This increase is expected to alleviate the ongoing shortages experienced in the market.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 153.19 |
| CAD → NPR | 110.44 |
| AUD → NPR | 109.84 |
| GBP → NPR | 207.11 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.98 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4300.89 | NPR 247,069.74 |
| Silver | $63.21 | NPR 3,631.17 |
Disclaimer
- Forex rates are sourced from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
- International gold and silver prices are sourced from swissquote.
- Nepal gold and silver prices are sourced from Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association.
Prices are provided for informational purposes only and may be delayed, or inaccurate.
