Nepal flash flood kills 46; 105 Indians among 500 missing
What's the story
Forty-six bodies have been recovered after a massive flash flood hit parts of northern Nepal, along the Tibet border. The disaster hit the Syapru Besi and Timure areas of Rasuwa district. The flood also washed away six of its major hydropower and transmission facilities, including the Chilime Hydropower Project. Preliminary information suggests it was caused by an earthquake triggering an avalanche with melted snow pouring into the Bhote Koshi river. But this information has not been verified.
Twitter Post
Nepal Police share video
भोटेकोसी नदी रसुवामा तिब्बत तर्फबाट ठुलो बाढी प्रवेश गरेकोले अर्को सूचना नआउँदासम्म त्रीशुली नदीको तटिय क्षेत्रका जिल्लाहरु नुवाकोट, धादिङ, चितवन, गोरखा लगायतका स्थानहरूमा उच्च सतर्कता सहित सुरक्षित स्थानमा रहन अनुरोध छ। pic.twitter.com/Zun6icZZCM
— Nepal Police (@NepalPoliceHQ) August 26, 2026
Missing
Indians missing
The flood surged through the Bhote Koshi River at around 9:00am affecting Rasuwa and Dhading districts bordering Tibet, officials said. It then spread to Dhading, Nuwakot and Chitawan districts.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, at least 384 travelers, including 291 foreigners and 93 Nepalese nationals, are missing in the flood-affected area.
The officials stated 105 of the foreigners were Indian nationals.
Warning
Roughly 400 pilgrims missing
The 105 Indians are among the roughly 500 who have gone missing. They were on their way to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Nepal PM Balendra Shah and assured him that India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance and that teams are coordinating closely on rescue efforts.
Sources told ANI that the Indian Air Force has kept transport aircraft fleet, including the C-17, C-130J and C-295, on standby for relief operations in Nepal.
Flood history
Bihar, China step up viligance
The Nepal Army has dispatched helicopters and disaster response personnel to the impacted area, while Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an all-out search for those missing in Tibet, as well as enhanced monitoring and early warning systems to prevent secondary disasters.
Bihar, which borders Nepal, has also stepped up vigilance after the flash flood situation.
In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has put Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts on alert.