Nepal-Tibet Border Flash Flood: 384 Travellers Missing, Including 291 Foreign Tourists

Kathmandu, August 26, 2026: A devastating flash flood struck Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district along the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday, leaving hundreds of people missing and causing widespread destruction to homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure.

According to preliminary information released by the Nepal Tourism Board, 384 travellers have been reported missing, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens. The list is still being verified in coordination with travel agencies, local authorities, guides and security agencies.

The disaster struck the Bhote Koshi River area near Rasuwagadhi and Timure. Several settlements were hit by powerful floodwaters, while vehicles, bridges and other infrastructure were swept away. Rescue operations have been launched, but access to some of the worst-affected areas has been severely hampered by damaged roads and dangerous river conditions.

Foreign Tourists Among Those Missing

The missing travellers include people from several countries. The preliminary list includes nationals from India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Australia, the Netherlands and South Africa, among others.

Indian nationals account for a significant number of those reported missing. Later reports indicated that 105 Indians and 37 NRIs were among the missing travellers. Many of those who lost contact were believed to be travelling towards Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

Authorities have cautioned that the figures remain preliminary and may change as communication is restored and officials complete verification.

Possible Earthquake and Avalanche Link

Initial reports indicated that an earthquake may have triggered an avalanche or landslide, which subsequently contributed to the sudden surge of floodwater. Reuters reported that a magnitude 4.4 earthquake may have played a role in triggering an ice-and-rock avalanche that affected the river system. The exact cause is still being investigated.

The disaster also affected the Tibetan side of the border, particularly the Gyirong area, where Chinese authorities reported major damage and missing people. Rescue personnel have been deployed on both sides of the border.

Rescue Operations Underway

The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been mobilised for search-and-rescue operations. However, heavy river flows, damaged infrastructure and blocked access routes have made rescue efforts extremely difficult.

Authorities have urged residents living near rivers to move to safer and higher ground amid fears of further flooding.

The disaster has also caused significant damage to Nepal’s hydropower infrastructure and disrupted transportation and communication links in the mountainous border region.

Officials continue to search for missing people and verify the identities and whereabouts of those reported unaccounted for. Families of missing travellers are awaiting further information as rescue teams work to reach isolated areas.