Don't shun Nepal: Manisha Koirala urges tourists as nation grapples with flood

Actor Manisha Koirala has made an appeal for continued support for Nepal’s tourism industry, urging the international community not to let the country’s flood crisis define how it is viewed. Speaking at Sadhguru’s In Solidarity with Nepal event, the actor highlighted the importance of tourism to Nepal’s economy and encouraged people to remember the country for its natural beauty, culture, traditions and people.

Addressing the gathering, the 56-year-old actor appealed to the international community to continue showing the same love and support it has extended to Nepal over the years. She stressed that while the situation along the Tibet-Nepal border remains concerning, the rest of the country continues to welcome tourists.

“Beyond this, I want to request the entire international community that you have been so kind and loving towards Nepal time and time again. I pray that your love and support continue. We, as a nation, need people to come to our country. We don't want to be known merely as, ‘Oh, shun this country; it’s full of disasters or constantly facing hardship.’ We need you all to travel,” Manisha said.

Acknowledging the calamity along the border, she highlighted how crucial tourism is for Nepal and its people.

“Yes, there is a calamity on the Tibet and Nepal border, but tourism is our breath. Let’s keep that in mind. The rest of the nation, we do need tourism,” she added.

The Heeramandi actor further urged people to look beyond the disasters and recognise Nepal for its natural beauty, culture and people.

“We don't want to be known as a country constantly having trouble. We want to be known for what we are meant to be known: beautiful weather, strong Himalayas, great people, nature, the culture and traditions,” she said.

“I hope and encourage the international community to travel to Nepal,” Manisha said. She also thanked Sadhguru for his blessings and support for Nepal during the difficult period.

Her appeal comes as Nepal continues to grapple with the aftermath of devastating floods in its mountainous region bordering Tibet.

The flash floods, triggered by a glacier collapse, sent torrents of rock, ice, mud and debris through mountain river systems on Wednesday, sweeping away buildings, bridges and power stations across Nepal.

The flood death toll rose to 781 on Sunday, with more than 2,500 people still missing, as swollen rivers continued to threaten several affected areas.

Rescue teams battled mud, debris and difficult weather conditions as survivors and displaced patients struggled to access essential aid. Damaged roads, bridges and water systems have further complicated relief operations across the region.

Search and rescue efforts entered their fifth day, with helicopters returning to the skies after heavy rain and fog briefly disrupted operations. Teams continued to search through the rubble in some of the worst-hit areas, including Rasuwa and Nuwakot along the Tibet border.