KATHMANDU, August 27, 2026: A devastating flash flood and landslide along the Nepal-Tibet border has killed at least 160 people, while hundreds remain missing as rescue teams continue searching through heavily damaged areas.
The disaster struck on Wednesday after a massive collapse of ice and rock in the Himalayan region sent a huge surge of water, mud and debris through valleys in northern Nepal. The flooding swept away homes, bridges, roads and other infrastructure, leaving several communities severely damaged.
Nepalese authorities have reported more than 400 people missing, including hundreds of foreign tourists and pilgrims. The missing include nationals from India, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and several other countries.
The disaster also caused major damage on the Tibetan side of the border. Chinese authorities have reported deaths and hundreds of people missing in Gyirong County, while rescue and assessment operations continue.
Videos released by Nepal Police and circulated online show powerful torrents of muddy water rushing through mountain settlements, carrying vehicles, buildings and debris. Rescue operations have been made more difficult by damaged roads, disrupted communications and difficult mountainous terrain.
Authorities and emergency teams from Nepal and China are continuing search-and-rescue efforts, while officials have warned of further risks in the affected region. The full scale of the disaster is still being assessed, and the number of casualties could rise as rescuers reach more remote areas.
