5 days ago
Nepal Flash Flood Toll Rises as Rescue Operations Continue
A sudden flood and mudslide hit Nepal near its border with China.
It happened on Wednesday in Rasuwa district, even though there was no rain there to warn people.
Many people died, and thousands more may still be missing or unreachable.
Different authorities reported different death totals, ranging from 538 to 586.
Rescue teams have saved more than 4,400 people.
They have also rescued 117 tourists, including 85 from India.
India sent medical workers, a tunnel-rescue team and emergency supplies.
Nepal also agreed to let international rescue teams help search for missing people.
Reported deaths range from 538 to 586, with one report citing 543 after additional deaths in Chinese state media.
Nepal said 4,451 people had been rescued, including 517 through air operations and 191 from a hydropower tunnel.
The Nepal Tourism Board said 117 tourists were rescued, including 85 Indians, 16 Chinese, nine South Koreans, two Americans and two Italians.
The Tourism Board said 98 of 183 missing Indian tourists remained unaccounted for, while India said 320 Indians in Nepal were not contactable.
Nepal reversed its initial refusal of international search teams and accepted foreign assistance amid pressure from countries with missing citizens.
- Who
- People in Nepal, including local residents and foreign tourists, were affected; Nepalese security forces, Indian responders and other rescue teams are conducting operations.
- What
- A flash flood and mudslide caused deaths, disappearances and widespread damage, prompting large-scale rescue and relief efforts.
- Where
- Rasuwa district in northern Nepal, about 120 kilometers north of Kathmandu, along the border with China.
- When
- The flooding occurred on Wednesday, and the reported updates were issued on Friday; a Nepal Tourism Board update was dated August 28, 2026.
- Why
- The sudden deluge struck without rainfall in the area, leaving residents without advance warning.
Nepal’s Initial Position
International Pressure for Assistance
Foreign search teams
Nepal’s Initial Position
The Nepal government initially said Nepali personnel were capable of handling search-and-rescue operations and declined international help.
International Pressure for Assistance
After diplomatic pressure from countries whose citizens were missing, Nepal agreed to allow foreign search-and-rescue teams and experts to assist.
Key facts
- Reported death toll
- Figures ranged from 538 to 586; Chinese state media reported five additional deaths, bringing one reported total to 543.
- People rescued
- Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah reported 4,451 rescues.
- Tourists rescued
- 117 tourists were rescued, including 85 Indians.
- Missing Indian tourists
- The Nepal Tourism Board said 85 of 183 missing Indian tourists had been rescued, leaving 98 missing.
- People affected
- The Red Cross estimated that as many as 93,000 people may have been affected.
- Rescue personnel
- Nepal deployed 15,431 security personnel, including army, police and armed-police forces.
- Indian assistance
- India sent a third aid flight, an 11-member medical and tunnel-rescue team, and relief supplies.
Quotes
Unidentified Nepal government official
Nepal government official quoted by The Kathmandu Post
“received massive pressure from the international community to allow at least search-and-rescue teams and some experts because their citizens have also gone missing in the floods”
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Sources
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