Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Nepal-China Flash Flood Toll May Reach 10,000, Minister Says
On August 26, a sudden flood hit Nepal’s Rasuwa district near China.
The flood carried water and mud through the mountainous area.
Officials said a glacier collapsed and caused the wall of water.
Nepal reported 1,411 deaths and 5,875 people missing by Saturday.
A minister warned that the final toll could reach 10,000.
The missing people included pilgrims, tourists, traders, and small-business owners.
The disaster also damaged power plants and reduced Nepal’s electricity supply.
India agreed to send Nepal 654 megawatts of electricity for part of each day.
Many foreigners, including Indians, were also reported missing.
Nepal’s disaster management authority reported 1,411 deaths and 5,875 missing as of Saturday.
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said the toll could eventually reach 10,000.
The August 26 floods struck Rasuwa district along Nepal’s northern border with China.
A glacial collapse reportedly sent a wall of water and debris downstream without warning rainfall.
Flood damage affected 13 hydropower plants, a solar plant, and Nepal’s electricity supply, prompting India to approve emergency power exports.
- Who
- People in Nepal and China were affected, including pilgrims, tourists, traders, small-business owners, and foreign nationals. Nepal Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle provided the 10,000 estimate.
- What
- Flash floods and mudslides caused deaths, disappearances, and severe damage to Nepal’s energy infrastructure.
- When
- The disaster occurred on August 26; Nepal’s reported figures were current as of Saturday, with Indian electricity exports planned from September 13 to December 31.
- Where
- Rasuwa district in northern Nepal, along the border with China, about 120 kilometers north of Kathmandu.
- Why
- The United States Geological Survey said a glacial collapse caused a wall of water and debris; the absence of rainfall meant residents received no warning.
Reported Count
Projected Toll
Death and disappearance assessment
Reported Count
Nepal’s disaster management authority reported 1,411 deaths and 5,875 missing as of Saturday.
Projected Toll
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said the eventual toll could reach 10,000, including people who died or remained missing.
- Reported deaths
- 1,411 as of Saturday, according to Nepal’s disaster management authority.
- People missing
- 5,875 in Nepal as of Saturday.
- Projected toll
- Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said the toll may reach 10,000.
- Affected power facilities
- Thirteen hydropower plants, including projects under construction, and one solar power plant were affected.
- Emergency electricity supply
- India approved exports of 654 megawatts for 18 hours daily from September 13 through December 31.
- Missing foreign nationals
- The reports cited 618 foreigners missing in Nepal, more than 500 in China, and 275 Indians missing as of September 4.