Strasbourg, 17 September 2026: Expressing gratitude for the EU’s rapid response following the devastating flash floods that struck the Nepal-Tibet border on 26 August 2026, leaving hundreds dead and thousands still unaccounted for, the Office of Tibet Brussels has urged the EU authorities not to overlook the suffering of the Tibetans in Tibet affected by the same disaster.
Immediately following the disaster, the Office of Tibet Brussels reached out to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), urging them to raise concerns over the lack of reliable information from the Tibetan side of the border and to ensure that Tibet was included in discussions surrounding the humanitarian crisis.
Unlike Nepal, where information about the disaster and rescue efforts has been widely available, information from Tibet has been severely restricted. This has made it difficult to assess the full extent of the devastation, determine the full scale of the humanitarian needs, and to establish what assistance, if any, has reached affected communities on the Tibetan side.
The issue was raised in a restricted format in the European Parliament during its plenary session in Strasbourg, held from 14 to 17 September 2026, where only one round of interventions by speakers representing the political groups was permitted to take the floor.
MEP Tomáš Zdechovský, a longstanding supporter of Tibet and a member of the European Parliament’s largest political group, the European People’s Party (EPP), called for Tibet not to be overlooked in discussions about the disaster.
“We must not overlook Tibet, which is under Chinese occupation, while discussing this devastating flash flood in Nepal. No information is available on whether any aid has reached that part of the region.”
MEP Zdechovský also underscored the importance of stronger regional cooperation, particularly in view of the European Union’s investment and engagement in the region. He called for greater attention to early-warning systems, data sharing, monitoring of the affected areas, and cross-border communication, particularly in responding to natural disasters that affect communities on both sides of the border.
European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib stressed the need for greater clarity and transparency regarding the situation in Tibet, emphasising that reliable and timely information is essential to enable authorities and humanitarian actors to support affected communities and respond effectively.
“Thank you for underlining the specific situation where Tibet is in. We must not overlook the situation in Tibet, I totally agree. We need to have reliable and timely information. It is essential, it supports search and rescue, enables families to obtain information and allows also responders to identify the needs. We would like to see more clarity and transparency on what is happening there.”
Alongside its advocacy efforts, the Office of Tibet Brussels has mobilised Tibetan communities and friends, raising significant contributions towards CTA’s flood-relief efforts.
– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels
