‘We Have To Learn The Lesson’: Nepal Seeks Early Warning System From China After Flood Kills 500

Last Updated:August 28, 2026, 15:56 IST

The minister also pointed to extensive construction activity on the Tibetan side of the border, saying that much more development was taking place there compared with Nepal.

The death toll from the flooding along the Nepal-Tibet border has climbed to over 500. (Photo: AFP)

Nepal has sought an early warning system from China to monitor Himalayan glacial lake outburst floods following the devastating flash floods that have killed more than 500 people, Nepal’s Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun said.

In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Pun said Nepal received no warning from China because the disaster unfolded extremely quickly. He stressed that the country needed to learn from the tragedy and strengthen its disaster preparedness.

“We could not get any warning from China as everything happened so fast. We have demanded an early warning system from China. We have to learn the lesson,” Pun said.

The minister also pointed to extensive construction activity on the Tibetan side of the border, saying that much more development was taking place there compared with Nepal.

“Much more construction was happening on the Tibet side by China. Construction going on in Nepal was [mainly] hydropower stations,” he said.

Pun noted that Tibet is a region where cloudbursts can occur and said the remote and difficult terrain on the Tibetan side makes it challenging to access information and monitor such events.

The minister said Nepal is also open to receiving foreign assistance as the country needs support to rebuild infrastructure damaged by the disaster.

“We are open to take foreign aid. We need help to build the infrastructure,” he said, adding that more than 20 helicopters had been deployed for rescue operations.

Pun said the Nepalese government was fully engaged in rescue and relief efforts, while its focus was gradually shifting towards reconstruction.

There were also concerns about the possibility of another burst of heavy rainfall, although the minister said there was no confirmation of a second such event.

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What infrastructure will Nepal rebuild with foreign aid after the floods?

Nepal needs support to rebuild infrastructure damaged by the floods. The country is open to receiving foreign aid for this purpose.

Could construction activity in Tibet increase future flood risks for Nepal?

Experts and environmental observers suggest that construction activity and extensive infrastructure development in Tibet could increase flood risks for Nepal due to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

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Saurabh VermaChief Sub-Editor

Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg…Read More

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