Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Nepal Flash Flood Sweeps Away Riverside Settlement, Hundreds Dead
A very large flash flood hit Nepal near its border with Tibet.
Fast-moving water, mud and rocks swept through a riverside settlement.
Buildings, bridges, roads and vehicles were damaged or carried away.
The disaster killed 392 people, while more than 1,400 were still missing.
Many rescue teams are having trouble reaching affected areas because roads and bridges were destroyed.
Experts said an avalanche from a glacier likely caused the flood.
They also said the Trishuli River rose by as much as 9 metres in just half an hour.
Among those uncontactable are Indian pilgrims, workers and tourists.
Officials from Nepal and India are continuing rescue and contact efforts.
A flash flood struck Nepal’s border region with Tibet on Wednesday, devastating settlements along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.
The disaster left 392 people confirmed dead and more than 1,400 missing, according to the report.
Floodwaters and debris destroyed or damaged buildings, bridges, roads, vehicles and riverside communities.
Nepalese officials said dozens of bridges were destroyed and nearly 40 kilometres of roads were damaged, hampering rescue efforts.
Nepal’s Ministry of External Affairs said 290 Indian nationals remained uncontactable while 84 had been rescued.
- Who
- Residents of Nepal’s Rasuwa district, Indian nationals, rescue teams and Nepalese authorities were affected or involved.
- What
- A flash flood and debris flow devastated riverside settlements, causing deaths, disappearances and extensive infrastructure damage.
- When
- The flood struck on Wednesday; rescue and relief operations were continuing on Thursday.
- Where
- Nepal’s border region with Tibet, particularly along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers in Rasuwa district.
- Why
- Climate experts said an avalanche from a glacier likely triggered the flood; the report also links increased glacier melting to human-caused climate change.
- Confirmed deaths
- 392
- People missing
- More than 1,400
- Indian nationals uncontactable
- 290
- Indian nationals rescued
- 84
- Road damage
- Nearly 40 kilometres
- River-level rise
- Up to 9 metres in 30 minutes on the Trishuli River
- Likely trigger
- An avalanche from a glacier, according to climate experts