6 days ago
Nepal Flash Floods Kill At Least 270, Overwhelm Hospitals
Severe flash floods struck parts of Nepal after an avalanche blocked a river tributary.
The blocked water suddenly surged through nearby areas and then moved downstream.
At least 270 people died, and 826 people were reported missing.
Families went to hospitals to find out whether their relatives had been rescued, injured or killed.
Hospitals displayed lists of rescued people and photographs of those who died.
Emergency wards became crowded with injured survivors.
Some hospitals ran out of space for bodies, and three health facilities were destroyed.
Rescue teams and security forces continued searching for survivors and missing people.
The disaster also affected tourists, including many foreigners.
At least 270 people were killed and 826 reported missing after flash floods swept across Nepal.
Families gathered outside hospitals in Kathmandu and Chitwan to search for relatives missing since Wednesday.
Authorities posted lists of rescued people, photographs of the deceased and desks for recording missing-person details.
Hospitals faced overcrowded emergency wards and mortuaries, while three health facilities were completely destroyed.
An avalanche blocked the Lhende tributary of the Bhote Koshi River, sending a destructive surge downstream from the Nepal-Tibet border.
- Who
- At least 270 people died, 826 were reported missing, and families, health authorities, government agencies and security forces were involved in the response.
- What
- Flash floods caused widespread deaths, disappearances, injuries and infrastructure damage across Nepal.
- Where
- The flooding affected Rasuwa and other parts of central Nepal, areas near the Nepal-Tibet border, and downstream locations along the Trishuli and Narayani river systems, including Kathmandu and Chitwan.
- When
- The floods began on Wednesday, and families searched hospitals on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
- Why
- An avalanche blocked the Lhende tributary of the Bhote Koshi River, causing a surge that triggered the devastation.
Key facts
- Deaths
- At least 270 people
- Reported missing
- 826 people
- Missing tourists
- 590 tourists, including 476 foreigners
- Affected health facilities
- Three facilities were completely destroyed
- Hospital response
- Lists of rescued people, photographs of the deceased and missing-person registration desks were established
- Mortuary pressure
- Bharatpur Hospital reportedly lacked space, and nine bodies were returned to Tanahun
- Flood trigger
- An avalanche blocked the Lhende tributary of the Bhote Koshi River
Quotes
Relative of a missing person
An unnamed relative searching for a missing brother-in-law outside Kathmandu’s National Trauma Centre
“We have been searching for him everywhere, but we have not been able to find his whereabouts. If you find anyone by this name in any hospital, please let us know. I will show you his photograph. Please look for him.”
rediff.com
Sources
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