Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises To 359; Fresh Flood Warning In Bhotekoshi River

More than 130 Indians, including at least 59 Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, are still missing after flash floods swept through central Nepal. Communication links remain disrupted in several affected areas, making it difficult to establish the whereabouts of those stranded.

Tamil Nadu officials are trying to trace 37 of 57 tourists from the state, while four of seven Maharashtra tourists reported stranded in Nepal have been accounted for. A 32-member Kailash Mansarovar group from Kolkata also remains untraceable after the flood struck near the Rasuwagadhi immigration office.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has activated emergency numbers +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500 for affected Indian nationals and their families.

Vigilance has been stepped up in Uttarakhand’s border district of Champawat following severe flooding in Nepal. The SDRF’s Tanakpur post has been placed on high alert, with teams patrolling vulnerable areas around the Sharda Ghat and Sharda Barrage and monitoring the river’s water level.

Residents, travellers and fishermen have been urged to stay away from the Sharda River banks amid the risk of rising water levels. The Uttarakhand government has also activated helplines for people from the state stranded in Nepal. Assistance is available through the SEOC numbers 0135-2710334, 2710335, 2664314, 2664315, 2664316, 8218867005, or the toll-free number 1070.

Experts said a glacial collapse caused the disaster in the warming Himalayan region.

The U.S. Geological Survey first reported a magnitude 4.4 earthquake early Wednesday, about 66 kilometers (41 miles) north of Kathmandu, near the border. The USGS later updated its analysis to say the seismic event it measured was a magnitude 5.2 glacial collapse that sent debris flowing downstream with catastrophic impact on communities. It said its determination was based on data from nearby seismic stations, long period seismic waves and satellite imagery, and that no earthquake had occurred.

Inputs from AP

Americans in areas affected by the recent flash flooding in Nepal can contact 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 for assitance.

Family and friends in the United States who are concerned about American loved ones in Nepal can call us toll free at +1-888-407-4747.

A GLOF occurs when water stored in a glacial lake is suddenly released, usually after the failure or overtopping of a natural barrier such as a moraine, ice or rock.

Glacial lakes can expand as glaciers retreat and meltwater accumulates. Landslides, rockfalls, glacier collapse, displacement waves or seepage can then trigger a breach, sending water, sediment and debris rapidly downstream.

Embassy of India in Nepal tweets, "Always with Nepal. Ambassador Naveen Srivastava handed over 10 tons of humanitarian aid materials from India to the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Khadka Raj Poudel. This assistance will contribute to the relief efforts following the devastating floods. India stands firmly with Nepal and is committed to providing all possible support."

The devastating flash floods in Nepal have killed at least 162 people, while hundreds remain missing as rescue teams continue searching affected areas. The disaster struck the Himalayan region near the Tibet border, with tourists, workers and local residents among those unaccounted for. Reports indicate that more than 400 people are missing, including a large number of Indians, though the figures are still being updated as authorities reach cut-off areas.

The disaster originated in the Himalayan region along the Nepal-Tibet border, with a powerful surge entering Nepal’s Rasuwa district through the Bhote Koshi River. Timure and Rasuwagadhi were among the hardest-hit areas, as torrents of water and debris swept downstream, destroying settlements and critical infrastructure. The flooding then moved further along the river system, affecting areas including Nuwakot and Dhading.

Himalayan infrastructure is highly vulnerable to flash floods because roads, bridges, hydropower projects and settlements are often located in narrow, steep river valleys where there is little room for development. When a sudden flood, landslide or glacial collapse occurs, these valleys can rapidly become channels for powerful flows carrying water, rocks, ice and mud.

Among those reported missing are 142 Indians, along with nationals from Australia, Britain, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea and the United States, according to the Nepal Tourism Board, as cited by AFP. 

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued emergency helpline numbers for Indian nationals affected by the devastating flash floods in Nepal. Those seeking assistance or information can contact the Embassy at +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500.

India has reaffirmed its support for Nepal by providing 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid to assist relief and rescue efforts following the devastating floods. Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava handed over the relief materials to Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadka Raj Poudel.

In view of the devastating flood in Nepal, the Government of Sikkim has released a helpline number for the assistance of Sikkim's people who may be stranded, affected, or in need of help.

The government has intensified search, rescue and relief operations in the areas affected by massive flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa district. To help the civilians at risk, the Nepali Army has already delivered essential food items, tents and relief materials like medicines to the affected areas. Nepali Army and private sector helicopters, along with foot teams, have been activated in Timure and Syabrubesi and riverine areas. The government has urged the residents living near river banks to be on high alert: Prime Minister's Office, Nepal.

The next IAF aircraft (C-17) with more than 35 tonnes of relief material will depart from Delhi/Hindon at 0900 hours, approximately, say IAF officials.

Vigilance has been stepped up in Uttarakhand's border district of Champawat following severe floods in Nepal on Wednesday. The Tanakpur post of the SDRF has been placed on high alert, and people have been urged to stay away from the banks of the Sharda River, officials told PTI.

Husband of stranded tourist from Tiruchirappalli, Shivaranjini, urges state and central governments to ensure their safe return, says 17 in group are safe.

A high alert has been issued in Muzaffarpur in view of flash flood in Nepal. The DM and the SSP inspect the embankment at Gandak river. DM Kumar Gaurav says, "About the prevailing situation in Nepal, the disaster management department and secretary sir did a video conference, they said that there is a chance of increase in water level in Gandak river, three divisions get affected by Gandak, I and SSP did inspection, also of the embankment, all the officers were instructed to be in alert mode. The safety of embankment is very important, we did its inspection."

Updated emergency helpline numbers for contacting the Embassy of India in Kathmandu:

+977 985 131 6807

+977 970 910 7500

+977 981 032 6117

(These emergency numbers can also be contacted through WhatsApp)

Aerial views reveal the extent of devastation after Nepal flash floods.

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday evening (August 26, 2026) to halt new hydropower projects in the State and order an independent probe into existing ones.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has directed officials to remain on high alert after flash floods in Nepal’s upper catchment areas raised concerns over increased water flow in the Gandak river and the possibility of flooding in several districts, prompting opposition leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Prashant Kishor to question the state government’s preparedness.

A devastating flash flood in Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district near the Tibet border has once again highlighted the Himalayan nation’s extreme vulnerability to sudden and destructive floods.

Glacial collapse triggered Nepal flash floods, not earthquake: USGS The Nepal flash floods were triggered by a glacial collapse and not by a 4.4 magnitude earthquake as reported earlier, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. The USGS said additional analysis of the long-period seismic waves indicated that the tremors were generated by a glacial collapse and debris flow.

Nepal was struck by severe flash floods yesterday morning, resulting in loss of life, widespread displacement and extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure.

Nepal’s security and disaster-management agencies, local authorities and health services have been fully mobilised for search and rescue, evacuation, emergency medical assistance and relief operations. Authorities are also closely monitoring river systems and downstream flood risks.

More than 300 Indians are missing in flash floods: Nepal Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal.

Ground level footage shows people running for their lives as a sudden flash flood tears through the Nepal–Tibet region

EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X, "A second flight has just taken off, carrying 37.5 tonnes of HADR material, medicines & food packets for Nepal. India remains in close and continuous touch with the Nepalese authorities. We will continue to strongly support the ongoing relief efforts."

Reacting to the harrowing scenes in Nepal, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera quoted Joan Didion's words on X writing, “Life changes fast. Life changes in the instant. You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends.”

The words perfectly encapsulate the instantaneous nature of the tragedy that unfolded in Nepal yesterday.

Khera also expressed concern over the missing Indians and hoped for their timely rescue.

A second flight carrying relief material to nepal has taken off from Hindon air base in Ghaziabad, PTI reported.

Speaking at a Press Conference about the Nepal Floods NDRF IG Naresh Bundela described the preparations on the ground in India's bordering regions.

"As of today, nine NDRF teams are deployed in the field in Bihar and are ready to respond to any flood situation. In Uttar Pradesh, the Kushinagar area near Gorakhpur is likely to be affected, so one team has been diverted and deployed there," he said.

Bundela also informed that there has not been any major impact of flooding on the ground.

"So far, there has not been a major impact of flooding on the ground, but the situation continues to be closely monitored," he added.

The major current disaster is on the Nepal–Tibet border, rather than directly on the Brahmaputra. The flash flood struck the Bhote Koshi/Trishuli river system, which is part of the wider Himalayan river network feeding into the Brahmaputra basin.

NDRF IG Naresh Singh Bundela Informed that no NDRF teams have been sent to Nepal at present but they have been kept on standby. He also stated that if a request is sent by Nepal and if the Government of India decides accordingly, NDRF teams will be sent.

"At present, no NDRF team has been sent to Nepal. Teams have been kept on standby. If a request is received from the Nepal government and the Government of India decides accordingly, an NDRF team will be sent. So far, no such order has been issued,” he said.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary conducted an aerial review of the flood situation in the state's border areas such as Bagaha, Valmiki Nagar, Bettiah, and Motihari.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed concerns over the missing Indian nationals in Nepal and appealed to the PM to help their families.

"Many tourists from India who have gone there (Nepal) are missing. We are really saddened by this. I appeal to the PM to help the families whose relatives are missing or have passed away," he said.

Kathmandu is not the main epicentre of the current flash flood, which is concentrated around Rasuwa and neighbouring districts near Tibet. However, the disaster has disrupted transport from Kathmandu and authorities have taken precautions regarding routes to affected areas.

"I am saddened to learn of the devastating floods in the Rasuwa region of Nepal and Kyirong in Tibet, resulting in loss of life and heavy structural damage", the Dalai Lama told PTI.

According to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, 8 people from the state are stuck in Nepal following yesterdays flash floods that hit the nation. The state government are finding out more information bout those stuck there.

"As per the information we have received, 8 people from Karnataka are stuck in the Nepal floods. We are ascertaining their details and other information," he said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to hold an emergency meeting with Ministers & Officials on the rescue of Tamil people stranded in Nepal at the State Secretariat, shortly.

Accoring to C-17 Globemaster Aircraft Commander Captain L Nayak, the relief aircraft dispatched to Nepal is carrying around 30-40 tons of relief material and has the capacity to remain in air for around 1-1.5 hours.

"Today, we are carrying approximately 30 to 40 tons of relief material, medical supplies, and NDRF payloads... The flight time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes; we will be departing at 9:30 AM and landing in Kathmandu at around 10:45 AM. We are carrying adequate fuel to hold in the air for 1 to 1.5 hours if necessary," he said.

Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary reviews the Gandak Barrage situation in Valmikinagar, West Champaran, amid concerns over rising water levels following heavy rain and floods in Nepal.

The State Emergency Operations Centre said 57 were travelling with a tour agency, while others were on independent trips. Four people have been reported safe so far.

NORKA Roots said it has identified 53 Keralites stranded in Nepal, based on information received from families through the Kerala government. The group includes adults and children, but officials have not been able to contact them directly because of network problems.

The agency is now working with the Indian Embassy and the Resident Commissioner’s Office to trace their last known locations. Officials have gone back to relatives for details on recent calls and travel plans, hoping to establish where the group was when contact was lost. NORKA Roots said it has received no fresh reports of other stranded Keralites and has a general understanding that the 53 are safe.

No flood-related impact has so far been reported in India’s border districts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh after floods in Nepal, NDRF Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela said. Authorities are monitoring water discharge in areas including West Champaran and Kushinagar, with the Centre and state governments coordinating with the Central Water Commission. Two Indian Air Force aircraft have already taken relief material to Nepal, while four NDRF rescue teams have been kept on standby in Ghaziabad for deployment if needed.

Flood damage to 12 hydropower projects has cut 431.1 MW of electricity generation in Nepal, leaving parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading without regular supply. The Energy Ministry is sending 500 solar power banks to the affected areas, with 300 already handed over for distribution. Electricity has been restored in parts of Nuwakot through an alternative transmission line from Sindhupalchok, while efforts are underway to restore other connections. In Rasuwa, repairs are expected to take longer after floodwaters washed away a substation, officials said.

Residents in Devghat have been urged to remain vigilant as the river continues to run high after the flash floods. A local resident said no major damage was reported in their village, but areas upstream were badly affected. The resident said several bodies and animals were seen being swept downstream, while authorities recovered around 10-12 bodies in the area on Thursday.

Telangana Minister Mohammed Azharuddin said the state government has opened a helpline for Telangana residents who may be stranded or affected by the floods in Nepal. The minister expressed condolences to families who have lost loved ones and those awaiting information about missing people. The helpline numbers are 9871999044, 9949351270 and 9618597969.

The Indian Embassy in Nepal has released a list of numbers for contacting the embassy in Kathmandu as well as contact details of Nepali authorities.

Ex Nepal Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal extended his thanks to Indian and its people for helping the mountainous country after the devastating flash floods yesterday.

“India is our close neighbor. That's why India responded very promptly. I would like to extend, on behalf of the Nepalese people, a very deep thanks to the Indian government and the Indian people. We have already got that aid, and it is going to be distributed through the helicopter,” he told ANI.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a review meeting with Foreign Secretary, Team MEA and our Ambassadors in Kathmandu & Beijing on the Nepal flood disaster to ascertain the status and well-being of all Indians in the flood-affected areas.

The current disaster was caused primarily by a glacial collapse/landslide in the Himalayas, which displaced a huge volume of water and debris into the river system. The US Geological Survey said the event was linked to the glacier collapse rather than an earthquake.

Dr Saswata Sanyal, DRR Specialist at International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) told PTI that the Himalayas are seeing more complex, fast-paced disasters.

India's Ministry of External Affairs is directing Chief Secretaries of states and Union Territories to coordinate the collection and transmission of missing persons' details. 

The information requested includes names, contact numbers and other details of people in the affected area. This data will be shared privately with authorities. 

A report by the BBC has attributed the cause of the devastating floods in Nepal to a collapsed glacier.

Dr Simon Cook, a glacier expert with the University of Dundee, told the BBC his team had detected that the lower part of a glacier in Nepal near the Langtang Lirung peak - which is approximately 15km (9 miles) west of the site of the floods - had collapsed.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah is visiting an army training centre in Battar Bazar in the flood-affected Nuwakot district to review the prevailing situation and search and rescue efforts.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal is holding a press briefing to provide the latest updates regarding Indian nationals, as well as the relief efforts India has undertaken in the wake of the tragedy in Nepal.

The MEA has released the list of 21 Indian nationals rescued from Nepal who travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The Ministry of External Affairs has set up a special control room to monitor the situation in Nepal after devastating flash floods hit the country yesterday.

Speaking on the floods affecting the Chinese side, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal informed that around 200 Indians have requested for assistance in Tibet.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal informed the press about the details of the 5 major groups of Indians stuck in Nepal.

"The first group of 73 people who are working on the Trishuli-1 power project. Then, two separate groups of 37 and 49 nationals from Tamil Nadu, who traveled for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Samrat and Fly Everest Travels. There is a group of 32 Indian nationals from West Bengal who traveled with the help of Samrat Travels in Timure, which is in Rasuwa district. Then, a group of 61 Indian nationals from different states... and then a group of 33 Indian nationals from Kerala. These are five major groups who comprise, by and large, 288 people that we are talking about," he said.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary after conducting an aerial survey of the flood affected areas in Bihar's border regions informed reporters that the situation remains normal and no water related problem is apparent at the moment.

We went up to Valmiki Nagar and took stock of the situation. The situation is gradually stabilising, and there does not appear to be any major water-related problem now. The Home Minister and the Prime Minister have been in constant touch with us and closely monitoring the situation in Bihar," he said.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told the media that there is no information on the death toll arising from the Nepal floods as the situation on the ground remains dynamic and ever changing.

We do not have any information on the number of deaths at the moment. As I said, the situation there is constantly evolving and remains dynamic. As soon as we receive more information, we will share it with you," he said.

"The assistance that we have provided, two aircraft with humanitarian assistance have been sent to Kathmandu... Eight tons of medicine and one ton of food items in total across the two departures by air, India has sent 47.5 tons of emergency supplies aimed at supporting Nepal's ongoing rescue and relief operations," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

According to Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the number of deaths caused by the floods has reached 258.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee extended her condolences to those affected by the flash floods in Nepal.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured and hoping for the safe return of all those who remain missing, while rescue efforts continue to reach those who are stranded," she said.

According to a PTI report citing local authorities, more than 40 charter flights by private helicopter's took of from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to transport relief supplies to Nepal's flood affected regions.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters that he'll be writng letters to Prime Minister Modi about providing special relief to the families of all those stranded in Nepal. The leader from Karnataka also stated that the maximum amount of help possible should be provided to the stricken country.

"I am also writing a letter to the Prime Minister requesting that special relief be provided to the families of all those stranded in this flood, not just from Karnataka, but from the entire country. Furthermore, maximum possible assistance should also be extended to Nepal, as many devotees from here travel there," he told reporters.

According to a PTI report citing local police, Around 200 people have been rescued even as more missing persons reports continue being filed.

According to a PTI report, the rescue operations in the Trishuli Sainik area are still underway.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told reporters that India is taking all possible steps to dispatch necessary aid to flood stricken Nepal.

"Whenever a natural disaster strikes anywhere, India is the first to extend a helping hand. Our Prime Minister immediately spoke with his counterpart in Nepal, and India is taking steps to dispatch all possible assistance right away. Our top priority is to locate the missing brothers and sisters and to provide every possible aid to the affected families in Nepal. India will spare no effort," he said.

The Nepal tourism Board has informed that 31 foreign nations including 11 Indians have been rescued after the flash floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.

SSB personnel in Bihar's border district of Valmiki Nagar are on high alert following the devastating flash floods in Nepal, a PTI report noted.

A local resident from the Trishuli area told PTI that this was the biggest flash flood in over decades.

“This is the biggest flash flood in over five decades. The flash flood originating from China came all of a sudden and swept away markets and homes," he said.