Nepal Floods Test PM Balen's Young Government

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah, a 36-year-old former rapper, is grappling with rebuilding communities and critical infrastructure after deadly flash floods last week. The floods, triggered by rock, ice, mud, and debris, swept through areas near the Chinese border, devastating towns and damaging hydropower plants. Over 900 people have been confirmed dead, and nearly 4,800 remain missing as rescue efforts enter their sixth day.

The floods struck just days before the anniversary of anti-corruption protests that ousted the previous government and brought Shah to power. Rescuers from China and India believe hundreds of workers are trapped in tunnels at hydropower sites buried in mud. Sushila Giri, whose son was completing an internship at a hydropower project, pleaded for information on her son's whereabouts.

Gen Z activist Raksha Bam expressed concern over delays in rescuing workers and urged the government to seek international assistance. Many families gathered in hospitals and aid centers, hoping for news of their missing loved ones. Indra Adhikari, who lost her home and paddy fields, noted that rescue efforts appeared concentrated in accessible areas, while remote settlements remained difficult to reach.

The government acknowledged its lack of preparedness for such a disaster, stating they were "confused on the very first day" as to how to deal with the crisis. While security agencies received praise for their response, questions remain about the government's crisis-management capacity and its relationship with provincial and local governments.

Former foreign secretary Madhu Raman Acharya commended the government's efforts, while former NRA CEO Govinda Pokharel criticized the federal government for managing the crisis largely on its own. Nepal initially managed the rescue operation independently, but by Friday, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal announced the decision to seek international expertise for tunnel rescues, DNA testing, and forensic examinations.

The government's decision to raise substantial funds domestically for disaster relief has garnered public trust. Over 5 billion Nepali rupees ($34.7 million/€29.9 million) have been collected in the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund.