August 31, 2026 — The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) and the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC) stand alongside the people of Nepal in profound grief and unwavering solidarity following the catastrophic flash floods that struck the country on August 26, 2026. Our hearts go out to every family affected by this tragedy.
The disaster began with a catastrophic debris flow and flooding event in the Langtang National Park, likely triggered by rapid slope failure involving a glacier. The resulting surge of water, ice, rock, and debris traveled nearly 100 kilometers along the Lende Khola and Trishuli river systems, severely affecting communities and critical infrastructure in Rasuwa and Nuwakot and reaching the Nepal-China border region. Lives have been lost, and thousands remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continue amid difficult conditions.
Homes, roads, bridges, and vital infrastructure have been buried or destroyed, leaving communities isolated and disrupting essential services and connectivity. The scale of the devastation continues to unfold as rescue and recovery teams work tirelessly to reach affected communities and account for those who remain missing.
We are heartened by the courage and dedication of Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, together with its partners, who have swiftly mobilized search-and-rescue operations, relief efforts, medical assistance, and essential support for affected communities. We also recognize the efforts of international humanitarian organizations and partners supporting the Government of Nepal in responding to urgent needs and providing critical assistance to those affected. In this spirit of international solidarity, we likewise express our earnest gratitude to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines for its active coordination with the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi and the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Kathmandu during this difficult time.
Nepal has been part of the CPSC family since 1973, with longstanding partnerships and shared accomplishments rooted in a common commitment to advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across the Asia-Pacific region. We have stood on Nepali soil before, working hand in hand with our Nepali colleagues and friends in our common pursuit of human resources development. To see this cherished partner nation endure such a devastating loss weighs heavily on all of us.
CPSC and APACC stand united with the Government of Nepal, humanitarian organizations, and local communities working relentlessly on rescue, relief, and recovery efforts. We also acknowledge and deeply respect the resilience, strength, and courage of the Nepali people as they face this difficult time. We hold on to hope for every person still unaccounted for and extend our heartfelt prayers for strength, comfort, and healing to all those affected by this tragedy. We call upon the CPSC and APACC family to come together in solidarity and support, in whatever way we can, and express our sincere commitment to stand with Nepal in its efforts toward recovery and rebuilding.
