TODAY’S Disaster – Massive Flash Flood Hits Nepal’s Rasuwa From Tibet Side – 17 Dead, 400+ Missing Including 105 Indians
Sunil Negi
Kathmandu/Rasuwa, 26 August ,
A massive overflow of Bhote Koshi/Lhende river originating from Tibet triggered a devastating flash flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa district along Nepal-China border this morning at around 9 am, causing massive loss to lives and property – much bigger than July 2025 flood.
Flood struck Syaprubesi main market and Timure in Rasuwa, washed away villages, bridges, 4 hydropower projects, vehicles, customs yard. The massive flood water was too high for helicopters to land.
The death toll was rising – Nepal Home Ministry confirms 17 dead (8 in Rasuwa/Nuwakot earlier, now 17 across districts), 80 security personnel missing including 32 Nepal Police, 9 Armed Police Force, 44 Nepal Army.
According to Nepal Tourism Board 384 travelers are missing – including 105 Indians (largest foreign group), 37 NRIs, 291 foreigners. 50+ pilgrims from Tamil Nadu stranded.
The cause is not rainfall but according to Nepal Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake at 8:37 am caused a massive landslide/rock slide 20km NE of Rasuwagadhi, blocking river, leading to outburst. USGS confirmed a 4.4 quake. Blockage still upstream – second flood warning issued.
The PM of Nepal Balendra Shah has mobilized Army, NDRF, helicopters, NDRRMA. 5 districts on high alert – Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan along Trishuli basin. Residents being evacuated via SMS/phone alerts.
According to the latest news from the China side Mudslide hit Gyirong port in Tibet, cutting roads, power, communications.
The former CM of Uttarakhand Harish Rawat in a condolence message reacting to today’s tragedy, said:
“The news of the flood that came from the Tibet side in the Rasuwa region of Nepal is extremely painful. I express my deep condolences to those who have lost their lives in this natural disaster. I convey my heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.
I pray to God to grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the affected families to bear this immense sorrow. At the same time, I wish for the early safety of all those affected by the flood and for normal life to be restored.
In this difficult time for Nepal, the sentiments of the people of India and Uttarakhand are with their brothers and sisters in Nepal.” write Harish Rawat in his social media pist. Meanwhile the Indian Embassy has issued an emergency helpline: +977 9851316807, +977 9709107500 for Indians affected.
LATEST UPDATE OF LOSSES
Nepal Flash Flood Causes Massive Destruction
Location: Rasuwa District, Nepal-Tibet Border – August 26, 2026
A devastating flash flood originating from the Tibet side has triggered massive destruction in Nepal’s Rasuwa district.
– 19 bridges and 40 km of roads have been washed away
– 13 hydropower projects have been damaged
– 2 border crossings with China have been closed
– More than 200 trucks swept away in the flood
– 384 travelers reported missing, including 291 foreigners, of which 109 are Indians
– 9 deaths confirmed so far, toll expected to rise
– Official casualty figure not yet released
India and China have offered assistance.
The Government of Nepal has appealed to local and international NGOs for help in rescue and relief operations. Army helicopters have been deployed for rescue.
