Flash Flood Devastates Rasuwa, Hundreds Missing Along Nepal-Tibet Border

Rasuwa, Nepal — August 26, 2026: A devastating flash flood swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa district on Wednesday, killing at least seven people, destroying homes and infrastructure, and leaving hundreds of people unaccounted for along the Bhotekoshi River.

The sudden surge severely affected Timure and Syabrubesi, near the Nepal-China border, with markets, security posts, roads, bridges and other infrastructure damaged or swept away. Authorities have warned communities downstream along the Trishuli River to move to safer areas and remain alert.

Hundreds of tourists unaccounted for

The Nepal Tourism Board said 384 tourists had lost contact following the flooding. The preliminary figure includes 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali nationals, many of whom were travelling toward Gosainkunda or Tibet's Kailash Mansarovar region.

Reports indicate that people from several countries, including India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and South Korea, may be among those unaccounted for. The figures remain preliminary and authorities are working to verify the status of those listed.

Major rescue operation underway

The Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have launched a large-scale search-and-rescue operation. The army said 25 people had been rescued by Wednesday afternoon, while 14 helicopters—six military and eight private—were deployed for rescue and relief operations. Specialist medical teams have also been sent to the affected region.

Security personnel are also among those reported missing. Radio Nepal reported that 26 police personnel were initially out of contact, while 13 Armed Police Force personnel were reported missing from Timure and Mailung.

Cause still being investigated

Officials have not yet confirmed the precise cause of the sudden flood. Nepal's flood authorities said they had received preliminary information that a landslide may have blocked a river upstream in Tibet before the accumulated water was suddenly released. Other reports have described a possible ice-and-rock avalanche as a trigger.

The flood has also caused extensive damage to hydropower facilities and transportation links. Several districts downstream, including Nuwakot and Dhading, have been affected as floodwaters moved through the Trishuli River system.

Authorities continue to search for missing people and assess the full scale of the destruction. With communications disrupted in parts of Rasuwa, officials say the casualty and damage figures could change as rescue teams reach isolated communities.

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