KATHMANDU, Nepal — August 26, 2026
A devastating flash flood has swept through Nepal’s mountainous Rasuwa district near the Tibet border, leaving hundreds of travellers unaccounted for and causing widespread destruction to homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
The Nepal Tourism Board says 384 travellers are currently listed as missing or out of contact, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali nationals. The figures are preliminary and authorities are working to verify the whereabouts and safety of those listed.
Among the foreign nationals reported missing are 105 Indians, as well as travellers from the United Kingdom, United States, Malaysia, Australia, the Netherlands and South Africa.
The flooding struck the Bhote Koshi River area, severely affecting the Timure and Syafrubesi areas of Rasuwa. Entire riverside settlements have been damaged, while roads and bridges leading toward the Rasuwagadhi border crossing have been badly affected.
Rescue operation underway
Nepali security forces, tourism officials and local authorities are searching for missing people while attempting to establish contact with travellers cut off by the disaster. Damaged roads and disrupted communications are making the operation particularly difficult.
The cause of the sudden flooding remains under investigation. Reports indicate that a collapse of mud and rock, potentially linked to seismic activity, triggered a massive surge of water and debris through the region.
The disaster has also affected the Tibetan side of the border, where authorities have reported casualties and missing people.
Officials have warned that the situation remains fluid and that casualty and missing-person figures could change as rescue teams gain access to isolated areas.
Families searching for relatives are being urged to rely on information from Nepalese authorities, tourism agencies and official emergency channels while verification continues.
