On August 30, 2026, the Chinese language site of the French international broadcaster RFI (Radio France Internationale) reported that three months before a large-scale flood occurred in the Himalayan mountain range located on the border between Nepal and China, the Nepalese side had requested China to strengthen surveillance of transboundary floods and glacier disasters.

The article, citing a report from the British news agency Reuters, stated that a meeting attended by about 20 high-ranking officials and experts from both countries was held in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, on May 27 this year. It reported that joint disaster reduction measures were discussed as a response to risks associated with climate change and glacier activity, including the creation of glacier lake inventories, risk maps, and the strengthening of transboundary monitoring systems.

And, citing the testimony of two Nepalese officials, the article reported that the glacier risk information and water level data expected after the meeting were not provided by the Chinese side, and that the lack of information sharing may have affected the prediction and preparedness for major disasters.

On the other hand, the article pointed out that Nepalese officials and experts did not blame China for this natural disaster and emphasized further strengthening cooperation with China as the top priority for the time being. While voices on social media questioned whether the prior warning from the Chinese side was insufficient, it reported that the Chinese Embassy in Nepal explained: "The two countries have been in close contact, and the Chinese team has shared important information with the Nepalese side in a timely manner."

Regarding the flood that occurred on the 26th, the article reported that as of the 30th, the death toll announced by both countries had reached 797 (781 on the Nepalese side, 16 on the Chinese side), and that 3048 people, including hundreds of foreigners, were still missing. Amid continuing concerns about secondary disasters, such as the confirmation of new landslide-dammed lakes on the Tibetan side, it reported that experts from China, India, and South Korea are assisting in rescue operations. (Edited and Translated by Kawajiri)