A devastating flash flood has struck parts of Nepal near the Tibet border, killing at least 160 people and leaving hundreds of others missing after powerful floodwaters swept through mountain villages, destroying homes, roads, bridges and key infrastructure.
Nepalese authorities said rescue teams recovered 157 bodies as emergency operations continued in the affected regions. Officials warned that the number of casualties could rise as many communities remain cut off and rescue workers struggle to reach remote mountainous areas.
The disaster has severely affected the Rasuwa district in northern Nepal, particularly areas including Syapru Besi and Timure, where floodwaters damaged settlements and washed away infrastructure. The region, home to around 50,000 people, has been facing major rescue challenges because the water levels remain too dangerous for helicopters to land.
Nepal’s tourism authorities reported that around 403 tourists, including 341 foreign nationals, were unaccounted for following the disaster. Among the missing foreigners were 142 Indian citizens along with travellers from Australia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea and the United States.
Nepal Police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle said 28 police officers were also missing while responding to the emergency.
The destruction also spread across the border into Tibet, where Chinese authorities reported major casualties in Gyirong County. At least three people were confirmed dead, while 265 others remained missing. Chinese state media said officials were still verifying the full scale of the damage.
The flood also damaged roads, communication networks and electricity facilities around the China-Nepal border area. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to launch comprehensive search and rescue operations and strengthen disaster monitoring systems to prevent further damage.
Government launches emergency response
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah called for national unity as rescue operations continued.
“Please be patient. The government takes full responsibility for your rescue, treatment, food and shelter,” Shah said, urging citizens to support each other during the crisis.
The Nepal Army deployed helicopters, rescue teams and emergency personnel to affected areas, while government agencies coordinated with medical teams, volunteers and humanitarian organisations.
Nepal government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel said authorities had requested assistance from both India and China to support rescue and relief operations.
Meanwhile, India’s Bihar state began preparing emergency measures and evacuations in several districts due to concerns that floodwaters could eventually affect downstream areas.
Infrastructure and energy facilities damaged
The Nepal Electricity Authority said approximately 430 megawatts of electricity production capacity, including hydropower and solar facilities, had been affected by the disaster.
Officials said power generation stations, transmission lines and distribution networks were damaged, causing electricity disruptions in several locations.
Eight South Korean nationals working on a hydropower project in Nepal were reported missing, while another 10 workers were stranded. South Korea announced plans to send a rapid-response team consisting of government officials, firefighters and police personnel to assist with rescue operations.
Possible glacier-related disaster
Experts suggested that the flash flood may have been triggered by a glacier-related event rather than only heavy rainfall.
Scientists from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development said an ice and rock avalanche from a glacier may have blocked the Lhende Khola River before releasing a sudden surge of water downstream.
Disaster specialist Saswata Sanyal said the river had experienced extreme flooding twice within the past 14 months, with the latest event likely linked to a glacier collapse.
Climate experts warned that changing weather patterns and rising global temperatures are increasing the risk of extreme disasters in Himalayan regions.
Climate activist Prayash Adhikari said the flood destroyed entire villages, including homes, schools, bridges and highways, highlighting the urgent need for stronger early warning systems.
Regional disaster risks increase
The Bhote Koshi River, which originates in Tibet before flowing through Nepal and eventually into India, has experienced several major disasters in recent years.
A previous flood in the region killed nine people and left 24 missing, while also destroying the Friendship Bridge connecting Nepal and China.
Scientists have repeatedly warned that Himalayan communities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to floods, landslides and glacier-related disasters due to climate change.
Rescue teams remain active across Nepal and Tibet as authorities continue searching for missing people and assessing the full extent of the destruction.
