Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Nepal Calls Bhotekoshi Floods Himalayan Tsunami as Toll Rises
A very large flood struck parts of Nepal after ice and rocks rushed down near the Nepal-Tibet border.
The event happened on August 26 and damaged towns and villages in northern and central Nepal.
More than 1,250 people have died, and over 4,800 are still missing.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal called it a “Himalayan Tsunami” because it was so severe.
Rescue teams are searching for people and helping both Nepalese citizens and foreigners.
Nepal thanked nearby countries and international organizations for their support.
Khanal said countries that produce large amounts of greenhouse gases should help vulnerable countries like Nepal.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah also said the disaster’s connection to climate change should be discussed internationally.
Nepal’s death toll from the Bhotekoshi floods surpassed 1,250 on Thursday.
More than 4,800 people remained missing as rescuers recovered additional bodies.
An ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border triggered the flash floods on August 26.
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal called the disaster a “Himalayan Tsunami” during a briefing in Kathmandu.
Khanal and Prime Minister Balendra Shah linked the disaster to climate change and urged international support.
- Who
- Nepalese authorities, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, Prime Minister Balendra Shah, rescuers, affected Nepalese citizens and foreign nationals.
- What
- The Bhotekoshi River floods caused widespread destruction, killing more than 1,250 people and leaving over 4,800 missing.
- When
- The flash floods were triggered on August 26; the death toll was reported to have surpassed 1,250 on Thursday.
- Where
- Towns and villages across northern and central Nepal were affected after an avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border.
- Why
- The floods were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche. Nepal’s leaders also said the disaster’s connection to climate change should be raised internationally.
- Death toll
- More than 1,250 people as of Thursday
- Missing
- More than 4,800 people
- Trigger
- An ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border
- Date of disaster
- August 26
- Affected areas
- Northern and central Nepal
- Nepal’s response
- Search and rescue operations focused on Nepalese citizens and foreign nationals
- International appeal
- Nepal called for support and said major greenhouse-gas emitters have a historical responsibility to compensate vulnerable nations
