Kathmandu: A devastating flash flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River has left at least eight people dead and 384 travellers missing, including 105 Indian nationals, after a sudden surge of water swept through the Himalayan nation’s Rasuwa district on Wednesday.
The preliminary figures released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) include 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens. Besides Indians, missing foreign travellers include nationals of Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and South Africa. The list is still being verified and could change as authorities establish contact with affected travellers.
The flood struck the Timure and Syapru Besi areas near Nepal’s border with Tibet, destroying or severely damaging settlements, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure. The sudden torrent also disrupted communications and cut off key routes, making rescue operations difficult.
#Breaking
🚨Nearly 400 Kailash-bound pilgrims out of contact after #Rasuwa flash flood https://t.co/Nv3DAD2JTlpic.twitter.com/XvpinTnHef#Nepal #Flood
📌Pilgrims, mostly Indian, including 93 Nepalis, were preparing to cross into #Tibet on Wednesday when a flash flood swept away… pic.twitter.com/MdoX5eRIfr— ⚡️🌎 World News 🌐⚡️ (@ferozwala) August 26, 2026
Death Toll, Missing Persons Rise
Nepali authorities have so far recovered at least eight bodies from Nuwakot and Dhading districts, according to police officials cited by local media. The toll remains provisional as rescue teams continue searching areas hit by the flood.
The disaster has also left security personnel unaccounted for. Twenty-six Nepal Police personnel and seven Armed Police Force personnel are reported missing in Rasuwa, while employees of the Rasuwa Customs Office in Timure are also among those whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Nepal flesh Flood – According to nepali Media around 50-70 people Missing while 10-12 reported death. pic.twitter.com/g4YPgBBK19
— Sahil Patel (@SahilpatelCA) August 26, 2026
The Nepal Tourism Board has cautioned that the 384 missing-traveller figure is preliminary, with authorities working alongside travel agencies, Tourist Police, guides and security agencies to verify the status of those affected.
Rescue Operation Intensified
The Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have launched a large-scale search-and-rescue operation. Multiple helicopters and disaster-response teams have been deployed, although damaged infrastructure, high water levels and disrupted communications are complicating efforts.
Authorities have urged residents living along the Bhote Koshi and downstream river corridors to move to safer, higher ground as flood risks persist.
Cause Under Investigation
The precise trigger for the sudden flood remains under investigation. Initial reports pointed to a surge entering Nepal from the Tibetan side, while authorities are examining whether a glacier-related event, including an avalanche or glacial lake outburst, may have triggered the disaster. Reuters reported that the affected Himalayan region has also suffered similar flood events in the past.
The disaster has caused extensive damage to Nepal’s hydropower infrastructure. Reuters reported that around 430 MW of hydropower capacity was disrupted, underlining the scale of the damage.
PM Balendra Shah Reviews Rescue Efforts
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah chaired an emergency meeting to review the situation and directed authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations. Officials have been asked to maintain heightened vigilance in downstream areas and move displaced residents to safer locations.
With hundreds of people still unaccounted for and several communities cut off, authorities fear the casualty figures could rise as rescue teams reach more affected areas.
