Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Flooding in Tibet Leaves Hundreds Missing Near Nepal Border
A very large flood and mudslide hit the area near Tibet and Nepal.
It happened on Wednesday morning near Gyirong.
News reports do not agree on how many people are missing, with figures of 588 and 360.
Three deaths were reported in Tibet.
Another report said 270 people died in Nepal.
Two local villagers were rescued.
Chinese military and emergency teams are searching for missing people and helping affected residents.
The teams are also clearing roads and checking the damage.
China and Nepal are communicating while the search continues.
A flash flood and mudslide struck the Gyirong border area on Wednesday morning.
Reports gave differing missing-person totals: 588 in one account and 360 in another.
Three deaths were reported in Tibet, while a separate report said 270 people died in Nepal.
Two local villagers were rescued, and 260 foreign nationals and nearly 100 Chinese nationals were reportedly missing.
Chinese rescue forces, led by the People’s Liberation Army Western Theatre Command, were sent to search, clear roads and relocate residents.
- Who
- Residents, foreign nationals and Chinese nationals were among those reported missing; Chinese military and emergency teams are conducting rescue operations.
- What
- A flash flood and mudslide caused deaths, missing-person reports and major disruption in the China-Nepal border area.
- When
- The disaster occurred on Wednesday morning; Chinese officials and rescue teams visited or deployed to the area on Thursday.
- Where
- The affected area includes Gyirong Township and Gyirong Port in Tibet’s Gyirong County, near the Nepal border; one report said the mudslide occurred on the Nepalese side.
- Why
- Devastating flash floods swept through villages and towns, causing the mudslide and heavy casualties.
- Reported missing
- 588 in one report; 360 in another
- Reported deaths
- Three in Tibet; a separate report also said 270 in Nepal
- Rescued
- Two local villagers
- Foreign nationals missing
- 260, according to preliminary local-authority information
- Chinese nationals missing
- Nearly 100 on the Nepalese side, pending verification
- Rescue coordinator
- People’s Liberation Army Western Theatre Command
- Rescue operations
- Search and rescue, road clearance, damage assessment and resident relocation
