Severe flash floods struck the Bhote Koshi River area on August 26, 2026, causing heavy loss of life, widespread displacement and extensive damage to houses, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure. According to an update issued at 8:00 pm on August 27, Nepal’s security agencies, disaster-management bodies, local authorities and health services have been fully mobilised for search and rescue, evacuation, medical assistance and relief operations. Authorities are also continuously monitoring river systems and possible downstream flood risks.
The government reported that 359 bodies had been recovered from river areas, while many local residents and tourists remained missing. The latest list records 627 foreign nationals connected to the incident, of whom 31 have been found and 596 remain missing, although the government stressed that the figures are still subject to verification. Among the largest groups still unaccounted for are 167 Indian nationals, 100 Chinese, 66 Americans, 53 Ukrainians, 51 Malaysians, 35 Australians and 33 British nationals. Missing persons are reported across 33 nationalities.
The Government of Nepal said its immediate priority remains saving lives and supporting search, rescue, evacuation and emergency relief. Contributions to these operations can be made through the official Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund. Because of extensive damage to critical infrastructure, the government said it would continue assessing conditions on the ground and communicate specific requirements for international or other assistance through official channels when necessary.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Emergency Control Room is coordinating assistance relating to foreign nationals and can be contacted through its designated hotline, WhatsApp and emergency email. The ministry has also advised affected families and foreign nationals to contact the nearest Nepali diplomatic mission where necessary. The missing-person figures were compiled using information from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and Nepal Tourism Board.
