Published Aug 26, 2026 | 6:31 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 26, 2026 | 6:35 PM
Search operations are under way on both sides of the border. The Nepalese Army said it had rescued 88 people.
Synopsis: At least 18 people have been killed and nearly 400 are missing after a flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibetan border. More than 100 Indians are feared to be among the missing, including 57 from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, as search operations continue. The Indian Embassy in Nepal and the Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments have issued emergency helplines for those seeking assistance.
At least 18 people have been killed and nearly 400 are missing after a flash flood struck the Bhote Koshi river in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, north of Kathmandu along the Tibetan border, on the morning of Wednesday, 26 August.
The Nepal Tourism Board said 291 tourists and 93 Nepali nationals, including guides, were unaccounted for. More than 100 Indians, including 57 from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, are feared to be among those missing, with a large number reportedly from Thanjavur district.
Official confirmation from the Ministry of External Affairs is awaited.
यो भिडियो हेर्दा जिउनै सिरिङ्ग हुन्छ। 😓 pic.twitter.com/NY2cG4g3Qh
— 𑐩𑐵 𑐟𑐺 𑐎𑐵 ( मातृकालिकोटे ) (@JoMatrika) August 26, 2026
Videos from Nepal and Tibet showed bridges, multi-storey buildings and an entire town being swept away within seconds by the force of the floodwaters. One video showed the Trishuli river suddenly swollen with an enormous volume of sediment-laden water sweeping away an entire locality.
Search operations are under way on both sides of the border. The Nepalese Army said it had rescued 88 people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had spoken to Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives.
“Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal. The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time. India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts,” he wrote in a post on X.
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The Indian Embassy in Nepal said it was engaged with the relevant Nepalese authorities to secure the early rescue and relief of Indian nationals affected by the flash floods.
People seeking assistance or information about Indian nationals affected by the floods can contact the Embassy on +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500. Both emergency numbers can also be contacted through WhatsApp.
The Kerala government has asked families unable to contact relatives in Nepal to report their details to the Chief Minister’s Office on 9447111844 or 9747132147, or to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority on 1070. They have been asked to provide the person’s name, travel and arrival dates, date of last contact, mobile number and details of the travel agency.
The Tamil Nadu government has asked stranded Tamils and their families to contact 1800 309 3793, +91 80 6900 9900 (missed call), +91 80 6900 9901, or the Tamil Nadu House Control Room in New Delhi on 9289516712.
The Karnataka Chief Minister’s Office can be reached at 080-22253414. Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi can also be contacted through the Resident Commissioner’s office at 011-26889814 or the PABX numbers 011-24103701, 011-24103702 and 011-24103703.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
