A video from flood-hit Nepal has sparked a heated discussion online after showing several people moving through mud, sludge and piles of debris to retrieve
LPG cylinders following devastating flash floods.
The footage, shared on social media, shows men and at least one woman navigating through a heavily damaged area filled with wood, plastic, rubbish and other material carried by floodwaters. Some people can be seen standing near the water and recording the scene on their mobile phones, while others appear to guide those searching through the debris.
People in Nepal’s Rasuwa area are risking their lives in flood water to grab floating gas cylinders after a big flash flood. pic.twitter.com/aOibeYK9Zp
— Ankit (@Extreo_) August 26, 2026
Among the items being retrieved were LPG cylinders, which had apparently been swept away by the powerful floodwaters.
Video triggers mixed reactions
After the devastating Nepal floods, mud-covered LPG cylinders and fish were found along the riverbank, with locals seen retrieving them from the debris. pic.twitter.com/fMddUPxctq
— I Love Siliguri (@ILoveSiliguri) August 27, 2026
The footage has since gone viral online, with social media users offering sharply different views of what was happening.
One user called the situation a tragedy and linked the huge amount of debris washed into rivers and oceans to extreme natural disasters.
Another commenter took a more critical view, writing, “When people are fighting just to survive, looting is the last thing anyone should be doing. Disasters should bring out our humanity, not our greed. Help those in danger. Protect what remains.”
However, another user defended the people seen collecting the cylinders, saying, “These people have lost everything. These tanks are better used than to end up in the ocean.”
The contrasting reactions highlighted the difficult choices faced by communities whose homes and belongings have been swept away by floods.
Nepal rescue operations continue
The video emerged as Nepal continued to deal with the enormous destruction caused by Wednesday’s flash floods along the Bhotekoshi River.
According to Nepal Police, the death toll had risen to 270 by Thursday after 93 additional bodies were recovered. Hundreds of people remain missing, while several foreign tourists and other travellers were among those affected.
Rescue operations have been expanded, with helicopters being used to evacuate stranded residents and deliver essential supplies. More than 40 private helicopter charter flights had reportedly been completed by Thursday afternoon, while additional helicopters remained on standby.
Nepal Army helicopters have also been conducting regular missions to affected areas.
PM reviews affected areas
Prime Minister Balendra Shah visited Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot on Thursday to assess the damage and review relief operations. He travelled to the affected district by road along with Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamshal.
Security personnel and local residents have also been working to clear roads blocked by mud and debris.
The government continues to focus on locating missing people, rescuing those stranded and restoring access to badly affected communities.
