26/08/2026
🚨 BREAKING: DEADLY FLASH FLOODS HIT NEPAL–TIBET BORDER AS HUNDREDS GO MISSING
A devastating natural disaster has struck Nepal’s Himalayan region, after a massive avalanche of ice and rock triggered catastrophic flash flooding along the Bhotekoshi River on Wednesday, August 26.
The disaster has swept through villages, roads, bridges and critical infrastructure, leaving a trail of destruction across the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. Initial reports put the death toll at at least nine, although officials say the number could rise as rescue teams reach more affected areas.
One of the biggest concerns is the fate of 384 tourists and travellers reported missing, including 291 foreign nationals. The missing include 105 Indians, 12 Britons, three Americans, four South Africans, 17 Malaysians, as well as travellers from Australia and the Netherlands. The whereabouts of some others are still being verified.
The flooding began around 8:30–9:00 a.m. local time, when an enormous surge of water and debris rushed through the Bhotekoshi River system. Entire settlements were reportedly inundated, while vehicles, buildings, roads and hydropower facilities were swept away or buried under mud and rocks.
Authorities are also investigating whether an earthquake may have triggered the avalanche. Reuters reported that a magnitude-4.4 tremor was detected shortly before the devastating event, although the exact chain of events remains under investigation.
The disaster has also affected the Chinese side of the border. A mudslide struck Gyirong Port in Tibet, disrupting roads, communications and power supplies and prompting Chinese authorities to launch search-and-rescue operations.
Nepal has appealed to India and China for assistance as rescue teams work to locate missing people. Poor weather, damaged roads and disrupted communications are making the operation extremely difficult.
The Nepal Tourism Board said many of those missing were believed to be travellers heading towards Mount Kailash in Tibet, one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Hindus.
Authorities have urged residents to stay away from the banks of the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers, amid fears of further flooding.
This is a rapidly developing disaster, and casualty and missing-person figures may continue to change as rescue operations progress.
🙏 Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected by this devastating disaster.
