Survivors of Nepal's August 26 Bhotekoshi flood grapple with trauma and loss

On August 26, a massive glacial collapse sent rock, ice and debris into the Bhotekoshi River, causing a flash flood that demolished dozens of bridges between Rasuwa and Dhading. Nabayug Shrestha and retired Armed Police Force inspector Bhimsen Thapa recorded the event from a bridge in Trishuli Bazar, and their videos later amassed over a million views. Shrestha lost his house and farmland and later mourned his mother's death; Thapa's family lost a house and 15 ropanis of banana plantation, though his mother survived.

The flood left 1,450 bodies recovered and 5,285 people still missing across eight districts. Both survivors find the footage too painful to watch, describing lingering fear and anger. They now assist relief efforts, guiding aid teams and helping neighbours rebuild amid ongoing uncertainty.