The Mitigation Action Facility expresses its deep concern for the communities affected by the severe flash floods that struck Nepal’s northern border region on 26 August 2026.
The floods have caused extensive loss of life, displacement and damage across several districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. Homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and communication networks have reportedly been damaged or destroyed, significantly restricting access to affected communities.
The disaster has also severely disrupted local public transport and freight connections. According to preliminary information, sections of key transport corridors – including the Betrawati–Rasuwagadhi road link and other routes in Nepal’s northern corridor – have been washed away, damaged by landslides or rendered impassable.
Assessing impacts on SET4NPL-supported transport operators
Electric mini- and microbuses supported by the Mitigation Action Facility-funded Nepal – Electric Transport (SET4NPL) project operate in and around the affected region.
Initial project information indicates that approximately 195 supported vehicles normally operate on routes that intersect with or run close to the affected area. This includes 14 vehicles operating along the Rasuwagadhi–Trishuli corridor and a further 181 vehicles serving adjacent areas.
These figures indicate potential exposure only. The project has not yet confirmed whether any supported vehicles have been damaged or destroyed.
Communication disruptions and inaccessible roads are making it difficult to contact public transport operators and verify their safety. As soon as communication networks are restored, the SET4NPL team will contact operators directly and through its vendor network to assess their situation and identify possible support needs.
The project’s implementation partner, ASIA Nepal, is currently in Rasuwa, monitoring developments and supporting affected communities. The project team remains in close contact with the organisation to obtain information from the ground.
Supporting the recovery of local mobility
Public transport operators may have been caught mid-route or separated from their families when the floods struck. In addition to the devastating human impact, the potential loss of vehicles, homes and income could make it difficult for operators to resume their services. This would further affect the mobility and livelihoods of communities that depend on these connections.
The Mitigation Action Facility stands in solidarity with all those affected, as well as with the emergency responders, local organisations and community members supporting search, rescue and recovery efforts.
Together with its partners, the SET4NPL project will continue to assess the situation and consider how it can contribute to restoring electric public transport in the affected areas. Re-establishing safe and reliable mobility will be an important part of supporting communities as they recover and rebuild.