26/08/2026
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26/08/2026
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KATHMANDU, Aug 26: At least 18 people have been killed and nearly 400 remain unaccounted for after a flash flood and mudslide struck areas along the Nepal-Tibet border early Wednesday, washing away villages, bridges and roads and damaging critical infrastructure.
The disaster occurred in Rasuwa, north of Kathmandu, with preliminary information indicating that an earthquake at 8:37 a.m. triggered an avalanche, sending large volumes of melted snow and debris into the Bhote Koshi River. Nepal’s authorities said 88 people had been rescued, while search and rescue operations were continuing on both sides of the border.
The Nepal Tourism Board said officials were trying to establish the whereabouts of 291 tourists and 93 Nepalese nationals, including guides, who were known to be in the affected area. Those unaccounted for include 12 British nationals as well as American, Malaysian, South African and Indian travelers.
Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Shishir Khanal told parliament that 26 police personnel, nine armed police officers and 44 military personnel were also missing. The Ministry of Home Affairs warned of a potentially “huge scale loss” in Timure, Syabrubesi and Betrawati.
Floodwaters caused extensive destruction downstream, with verified footage showing bridges being swept away and buildings collapsing under the force of the rapidly rising, debris-filled river. The Trishuli hydropower project was also damaged, while roads, communications and power supplies were disrupted. The main road linking the affected area with Kathmandu was closed.
The Nepal Army said rescue teams were working to reach 115 people in the village of Mailung. Authorities have placed several communities downstream on high alert and urged residents living near riverbanks to move to safer areas and take precautions.
The extent of casualties and damage on the Tibetan side remains unclear. Chinese state media also reported significant casualties, while difficult weather conditions were hampering efforts to reach some affected areas.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah said emergency response efforts were under way in coordination with medical teams, scouts and the Red Cross as authorities continued search and rescue operations.
