27/08/2026
FLASH FLOODS, LANDSLIDES DEVASTATE NEPAL-TIBET BORDER
Flash floods and landslides swept through communities along the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday, August 26, killing at least 165 people and leaving more than 1,000 missing, according to reports.
The disaster destroyed homes, roads and bridges and swept away entire sections of communities in Nepalās Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, as well as areas around Gyirong in Tibet.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the disaster was caused by the collapse of part of a Himalayan glacier. The collapse sent ice, rocks and debris into the Lhende Khola River, creating a powerful surge of water and debris downstream. An earlier report had suggested that an earthquake may have triggered the event, but authorities later identified the glacial collapse as the main cause.
Many of those reported missing are foreign nationals, including tourists and pilgrims traveling in the region. More than 400 foreign tourists were initially reported missing on the Nepal side, while hundreds more remained unaccounted for in Tibet.
Rescue teams from Nepal and China continued searching for survivors on Thursday. Helicopters and emergency personnel have been deployed, although damaged roads, heavy debris and continuing risks along the rivers have made rescue operations difficult.
The disaster also disrupted electricity and communications and caused extensive damage to infrastructure on both sides of the border.
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and verify the number and identities of those missing.
Photo Courtesy: Niranjan Shrestha / AP
