Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Nepal Flash Floods Kill 157 as Buildings Collapse in Seconds
A sudden and powerful flood hit parts of Nepal on Wednesday.
The floodwaters carried mud and debris through communities near the Bhotekoshi River.
At least 157 people died, and many others are still missing.
Some missing people were foreign nationals and security personnel.
Videos show large buildings and bridges falling into the rushing water.
In one video, workers ran away after floodwaters suddenly entered their work area.
The flood reportedly began after an avalanche blocked a tributary near the Chinese border.
People had little warning because no rain was reported in the area.
At least 157 people were killed after flash floods struck Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River on Wednesday.
Nearly 400 people remain missing, including foreign nationals and security personnel.
Videos show buildings, homes, bridges and customs infrastructure collapsing into muddy floodwaters.
Workers in Mailung, Rasuwa district, filmed themselves fleeing as mud and debris swept through their work area.
The floods reportedly followed an avalanche that blocked the Lhende tributary near Nepal’s border with China.
- Who
- At least 157 people were killed, while nearly 400 others remain missing, including foreign nationals and security personnel.
- What
- A flash flood and mudslide destroyed homes, buildings, bridges, vehicles and other infrastructure.
- When
- The disaster struck on Wednesday during the mid-morning.
- Where
- The flooding affected three districts in Nepal, including Rasuwa, Timure, Mailung and settlements near Syaphrubesi and Rasuwagadhi.
- Why
- The flood was reportedly triggered when an avalanche blocked the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River.
- Deaths
- At least 157 people were killed.
- Missing people
- Nearly 400 people were reported missing; another report cited 391 foreigners and 44 security personnel among those unaccounted for.
- River
- The flooding involved the Bhotekoshi River and its Lhende tributary.
- Affected areas
- Three districts were affected, including Nepal’s Rasuwa district.
- Damage
- Homes, vehicles, bridges, multi-storey buildings and border customs infrastructure were swept away or destroyed.
- Warning
- Residents reportedly had no warning because no rainfall was reported in the area.
- Videos
- Footage showed people fleeing rapidly rising mud and water, while buildings collapsed within seconds.