Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Birajbhakta Shrestha has warned that climate-induced disasters in the Himalayan region could spread hundreds of kilometres across borders within hours, calling for enhanced regional cooperation and advanced technology.
According to NM Khabar, the minister spoke on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the opening session of the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand.
Himalayan disasters
Minister Shrestha highlighted that the interconnected nature of disasters like avalanches, glacial ice outbursts, landslides and flash floods poses significant risks to downstream settlements, infrastructure and hydropower projects. He stressed that relying solely on rainfall forecasts is insufficient for predicting and mitigating these complex hazards.
The minister recalled the devastating floods on August 26, 2026, caused by a massive rock and glacial ice avalanche from the upper reaches of Langtang Lirung, which severely impacted the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river basins, damaging settlements, roads, bridges, border crossings and hydropower projects.
An initial study by ICIMOD found that approximately 132 million cubic metres of material reached the Lende Khola valley, and the event was identified as a series of cascading disasters caused by rock and ice fall, not a glacial lake outburst flood.
He also mentioned the landslide on October 11, 2026, in the Budhigandaki area, which blocked the river and subsequently burst, damaging an under-construction hydropower project.
According to a rapid damage and needs assessment, the total economic impact of these recent disasters is estimated at approximately 2.7 billion dollars, and an estimated 4.8 billion dollars will be required for recovery and reconstruction efforts.
What the minister is asking for
Minister Shrestha advocated for expanding the use of satellite imagery, geospatial analysis, digital technology and artificial intelligence to reduce climate and geo-hazard risks. He stressed that disaster risks are not confined within national borders, calling for regional data exchange, technical assistance and joint monitoring programs.
He thanked UN ESCAP for providing immediate satellite images and technical information after the Bhote Koshi disaster, and urged strengthening national capacities to translate regional commitments into effective services.
He also highlighted the importance of expanding satellite-based communication facilities in remote and Himalayan areas and making early warning systems effective for all communities.
Nepal has reaffirmed its commitment to the National Adaptation Plan for 2021 to 2050, the Third Nationally Determined Contribution, and the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. Minister Shrestha noted Nepal’s minimal contribution of 0.01 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, presenting clean energy, climate resilience and regional cooperation as Nepal’s priorities.
On the sidelines of the conference, Nepal and UN ESCAP are jointly organising a regional dialogue titled From Everest to the Ocean: Lessons from Nepal’s Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Disaster on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 10 AM to 1 PM in Bangkok.
The minister welcomed the draft Bangkok Ministerial Declaration, which emphasises data sharing, early warning systems, practical digital tools and technical assistance in its third phase from 2026 to 2030, and he is scheduled to return to Nepal on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Source: NM Khabar, October 28, 2026.
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