Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River Rises as Flash Flood Toll Surges
A huge flood struck Nepal on August 26 after ice and rocks may have collapsed near the Nepal-Tibet border.
The water rushed down the Bhotekoshi River, destroying homes, roads, bridges and power stations.
Officials reported that hundreds of people had died, but different reports gave totals of 734 and 788.
About 2,500 people were still missing.
The river rose again, so people and rescuers were told to be careful.
Rain and thunderstorms could cause more trouble.
Thousands of security workers and helicopters were searching for people and delivering supplies.
India was also helping with rescue teams, experts and emergency materials.
Nepal’s flood death toll was reported at either 734 or 788, reflecting differing updates.
Authorities said about 2,500 people remained missing after the August 26 disaster.
Officials warned that rising Bhotekoshi River levels and further storms could hinder rescue efforts.
The floods destroyed roads, 19 bridges and hydropower facilities across northern and central Nepal.
More than 20,000 security personnel, helicopters and Indian teams were assisting rescue and relief operations.
- Who
- Residents, workers, tourists, rescuers and security personnel in Nepal were affected; Nepal and India led response efforts, while people in Tibet were also affected.
- What
- A flash flood caused extensive deaths, disappearances and infrastructure damage, followed by renewed warnings as the Bhotekoshi River rose.
- When
- The main flood occurred on August 26, 2026; updated warnings and casualty figures were reported on August 30.
- Where
- Northern and central Nepal, including areas around the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers, Nuwakot and Rasuwa; related damage occurred on the Chinese side in Tibet.
- Why
- The disaster was believed to have followed an ice-and-rock collapse or avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border; additional rain, thunderstorms and landslides raised concerns about further flooding.
Lower Earlier Estimates
Higher Later Estimates
Casualty and rescue figures
Lower Earlier Estimates
Some reports cited 734 deaths, nearly 2,500 missing and more than 4,500 people rescued.
Higher Later Estimates
A later NDRRMA update cited 788 deaths, 2,502 missing and 9,435 people rescued.
Foreign nationals among missing
Lower Earlier Estimates
One authority-based report said 320 foreigners were among those missing in Nepal.
Higher Later Estimates
Another update said 591 foreigners were among the 2,502 missing people.
- Reported death toll
- Reports dated August 30 gave Nepal’s toll as 734 or 788.
- People missing
- About 2,500 people remained missing; one update specified 2,502, including 591 foreigners, while another cited 320 foreigners.
- Rescued people
- Reported rescue totals ranged from more than 4,500 to 9,435, depending on the update.
- Nepal response
- More than 20,000 security personnel were mobilized for search and rescue operations.
- Infrastructure damage
- Nineteen motorable bridges and part of the Prithvi Highway were washed away.
- Hydropower damage
- Eight operational projects totaling 354 megawatts and five projects under construction were damaged.
- Indian assistance
- India provided 68.5 tonnes of relief materials and sent tunnel, forensic and technical teams.
Sources
Nepal warns of rising water levels in Bhotekoshi River as flash floods death toll surges to 734
Nepal warns of rising water levels in Bhotekoshi River as flash floods death toll surges to 734
Nepal flood toll reaches 788 as rising water level in Bhotekoshi renews fears; over 2,500 still missing
Nepal faces fresh threat as Bhotekoshi River swells