Nepal on Monday (September 7, 2026) observed a national day of mourning on the 13th day of the Rasuwa flash flood disaster , honouring more than 1,340 people who lost their lives in one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in recent history.
The government declared September 7 a national day of mourning to honour the victims of the catastrophic floods that swept through Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other areas along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems. Meanwhile, the government has declared Tuesday (September 8, 2026) a public holiday to mark Gen Z Martyrs’ Day.
The devastating floods caused massive loss of life and extensive destruction of homes, roads, bridges, hydropower projects, government offices and other critical infrastructure. The government has mobilised the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and other agencies for search, rescue, relief and recovery operations. The developments led to the dissolution of Parliament and the collapse of the government led by the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress.
The agitation turned violent after security personnel opened fire near the Parliament building, killing 72 people, including children, and eventually forcing then-Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to resign.
“The national flag will be flown at half-mast at government offices across the country and at Nepali diplomatic missions abroad,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement issued on Sunday (September 6, 2026).
On the same day last year, Gen Z-led protests erupted in Kathmandu against a government decision to ban social media platforms, alleged corruption and what protesters described as the ostentatious lifestyles of the children of influential politicians and officials.
