Severe flash floods and landslides struck northern Nepal near the Tibet border, sweeping away villages, bridges, and heavily damaging hydropower dams. At least 17 deaths have been confirmed so far, with many more missing. Floodwaters spilled over the border into Tibet, causing multiple deaths and disappearances on the Chinese side as well.
A major flash flood occurred in northern Nepal on the morning of 26 Aug, causing powerful currents that destroyed villages, roads, bridges, and various infrastructures, including hydropower projects in Rasuwa district, north of Kathmandu and adjacent to China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
Officials report at least 17 confirmed deaths with several missing, fearing the death toll may rise as many areas remain inaccessible and river levels remain high, preventing rescue helicopters from landing.
Narendra Priyar, chief administrative officer of Rasuwa district, stated it is too early to fully assess the damage but significant loss of life and property is likely. He urged residents living along the Bhote Koshi river to evacuate to higher ground immediately for safety.
The Bhote Koshi river originates in China's Tibet region, then flows into Nepal connecting with the Trishuli river, which continues into India. The affected area is a key trade route between Nepal and China.
Officials preliminarily believe the flash floods are linked to rapid snowmelt flowing into the Bhote Koshi river, though the exact cause remains unconfirmed. Authorities have issued high alert warnings for many downstream areas.
Affected individuals described the event as sudden, hearing a loud noise similar to a volcanic eruption, followed by people screaming and fleeing the area.
Rescue teams have so far saved at least 12 people. Nepal's disaster management agency has deployed military, police, and rescue units to search for and assist victims.
Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah has ordered authorities to relocate residents from low-lying and riverside areas to safety, urging the public to remain vigilant and closely monitor the situation.
Authorities revealed that 13 armed police officers stationed at two posts in Rasuwa are missing, and contact has not been established with dozens of other police personnel in the area.
The disaster has also affected Nepal's electricity system. The Ministry of Energy reported that about 430 megawatts of power generation capacity, mainly hydropower projects, has been impacted—accounting for over 12% of the country's total hydropower capacity of approximately 3.2 gigawatts.
Reports indicate multiple hydropower plants, roads, and bridges suffered damage, severely disrupting trade routes between Nepal and China.
Chinese official media reported that landslides from Nepal affected Jilong port in Tibet, a key border crossing and trade hub between China and Nepal. CCTV reported many deaths and missing persons at Jilong port due to the Nepal-side landslides, though exact casualty figures remain unconfirmed.
Xinhua News Agency stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered full mobilization for search and rescue of missing persons, emphasized urgent medical care for the injured, minimizing fatalities, and enhancing monitoring, early warning systems, and disaster prevention measures to avoid repeat incidents.
Images released by Chinese media, not yet independently verified, show powerful floodwaters carrying branches and debris along flooded roads.
Rasuwa district experienced severe flooding from the Bhote Koshi river last year, resulting in 9 deaths and 24 missing persons. The flood damaged the Friendship Bridge connecting Nepal and China, disrupting trade and transportation between the two countries for several months.
Reports indicated that the previous flood was caused by water discharge from a glacial lake above a glacier in Tibet.
Nepalese officials believe Wednesday's flash floods may be more severe than last year's event. Search and rescue operations continue, with authorities warning residents in vulnerable areas, especially those living along the river, to stay alert and evacuate to higher ground immediately if conditions worsen.