Nepal-Tibet Border Floods Leave Hundreds Dead and Tourists Missing
Severe flooding along the Nepal-Tibet border has killed more than 350 people and left over 1,300 missing, according to local authorities. The disaster began on the morning of August 26, when water, mud, and debris surged from Tibet into Nepal through the Bhote Koshi River, affecting communities north of Kathmandu.
Nepal’s Tourism Board reported that 667 travelers were missing in the country, including 540 foreign nationals and 127 Nepalis. The missing foreigners include 178 Indians, 65 Americans, 25 Canadians, and citizens of the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, Ukraine, and more than two dozen other countries. Authorities cautioned that casualty and missing-person figures remained uncertain.
The United States said it would deploy a disaster response adviser and provide $500,000 through Catholic Relief Services for shelter, essential supplies, clean water, and sanitation. The US Embassy in Kathmandu is coordinating with local officials to locate and assist American citizens. Canadian officials also offered consular support, while noting that power outages were disrupting communications.
Initial reports from the US Geological Survey identified a magnitude 4.4 earthquake north of Kathmandu. The agency later said no earthquake had occurred. It attributed the seismic signal to a glacier collapse and debris flow that released energy comparable to a magnitude 5.2 earthquake. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.
Images and video from the region showed mud-filled towns, damaged buildings, and debris striking Gyirong port, a major border crossing. By Thursday afternoon, Nepal’s disaster management authority said 27 foreign tourists had been rescued in Rasuwa. Two army helicopters were supporting search and rescue operations.
The Tourism Board said most other parts of Nepal remained unaffected. Travelers were advised to avoid rivers, bridges, damaged roads, and flood-hit districts until authorities confirm that conditions are safe. Rescue teams continue working amid difficult terrain, damaged infrastructure, communications failures, and uncertain conditions.