At least 160 people have been killed and hundreds of foreign tourists remain missing after flash floods tore through villages on the border between Nepal and the Tibet region.
Thirty-three British tourists are believed to be among those missing, including a 13-year-old girl.
In an update on Wednesday evening, Nepal police said 157 bodies had been recovered and more than 40 people were injured and receiving treatment in hospital. China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported at least three dead and 265 missing in the Tibet region’s Gyirong County near the border.
The Nepal Tourist Board said the number of missing people had risen from 384 to 403, with 33 UK citizens among 341 foreign nationals unaccounted for.
According to the tourist board, 203 of the missing are male and 200 female.
Dramatic video footage showed a wall of water crashing through river banks, bringing down bridges, homes and other infrastructure in villages along the Bhotekoshi River.
Experts said an avalanche from a glacier was the likely cause in the warming Himalaya region.
Officials issued warnings to residents of several of Nepal’s districts and asked them to stay away from the banks of Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers.
Key Points
- 157 bodies recovered following flash floods, Nepal police says
- 95 killed after avalanche triggers flash floods in Nepal
- 13-year-old girl among 33 missing Brits
- Nepal flash floods triggered by earthquake, says minister
- In pics: Flash floods cause widespread destruction
- South Korea to send rescue team for missing citizens missing
At least 160 dead following tragic flash floods in Nepal
20:10 , Maryam Zakir-HussainMassive flash floods in a border area of Nepal and China on Wednesday killed at least 160 people and left hundreds of tourists, workers and others missing after sweeping through communities and bringing travel in some areas to a halt.
Experts said an avalanche from a glacier was the likely cause in the warming Himalaya region.
Police in Nepal reported at least 157 dead. China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported at least three dead and 265 missing in the Tibet region’s Gyirong County near the border.
What caused the fatal flash floods in Nepal?
20:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainClimate experts at the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development said an avalanche from a glacier likely caused Wednesday’s flash flood.
“Hydrological observations indicate the exceptional speed and magnitude of the flood wave,” they said in an emailed statement, noting that water levels at one point on the Trishuli river rose by as much as nine meters (27 feet) over half an hour.
The Lhende Khola River, a tributary of the Bhotekoshi, had maximum flooding, they said.
“The Lhende Khola has flooded twice in 14 months, this time triggered by an ice rock avalanche from a glacier on the Nepal side that blocked the river and released a sudden surge downstream,” said Saswata Sanyal, a disaster risk reduction specialist at the climate research group.
He noted the importance of early warnings in “a warming Himalaya.”
The region saw similar flash floods in August last year, when a glacial lake in Tibet overflowed because of high temperatures.
Nine people were killed, and critical infrastructure, including a bridge connecting Nepal and China, was damaged.
Missing Indian tourists were on pilgrimage in Tibet
19:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainSunil Sharma, a tourism board spokesman, said 133 of those missing were from India on pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet – a sacred site for Hindus.
Also among the missing were 47 people from the US, 34 from Australia, and 24 from Canada, he added.
157 bodies recovered following flash floods, Nepal police says
19:08 , Maryam Zakir-HussainIn an update on Wednesday evening, Nepal police said 157 bodies had been recovered and more than 40 people were injured and receiving treatment in hospital.
The Nepal Tourist Board said the number of missing people had risen from 384 to 403, with 33 UK citizens among 341 foreign nationals unaccounted for.
According to the tourist board, 203 of the missing are male and 200 female.
Andy Burnham: UK will do 'everything we can' to support British nationals in Nepal
19:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAndy Burnham said the government will do “everything we can” to support British nationals in Nepal following the floods.
In a statement, the prime minister said: “These scenes emerging from along the Nepal-China border are devastating.
“My thoughts are with all those affected, including the families and loved ones of British nationals missing in this tragedy.
“We will do everything we can to support British nationals impacted in the region and are in touch with the relevant authorities to offer support.
“I urge British nationals in the region to follow guidance from the local authorities and follow our travel advice.”
Nepali saved from flash floods by mango tree
18:30 , James ReynoldsNepali labourer Bibek Kumal was digging a toilet pit outside a newly built house on Wednesday when a wall of water, mud and rock came roaring down, sweeping him and everything near him away.
Kumal, 24, was working in Bidur, downstream from the worst-hit Rasuwa district, near Nepal's Himalayan border with China's Tibet, when he heard a hissing sound. His four co-workers, standing above the five-foot pit, shouted at him to get out and run.
By the time he scrambled out of the pit, his co-workers had already fled.
"I started running. Then a wall of water came thundering down as if it was an earthquake," Kumal said from his bed at Kathmandu's National Trauma Centre, his brother Dinesh sitting beside him.
The torrent swept him downstream amid mud and debris, but "luckily I was stuck up in a mango tree", he said. "Had there been no mango tree, I would have been washed away to death."
Survivor Kumal said as he clung to the mango tree, he watched the house where he had been working disappear.
Police later reached him and pulled him to safety. He suffered injuries to his right leg after being struck first by the water and then by a large stone. His own home, located elsewhere, escaped damage, he said.
Foreign secretary 'deeply concerned' by Nepal floods
18:10 , James ReynoldsBritish foreign secretary Ed Miliband says he is “deeply concerned” by news of the flash floods sweeping the Nepal-China border.
“All my thoughts are with those affected and with British nationals in the area and their relatives here at home,” he wrote on X.
Mr Miliband said British nationals or their relatives can call +44 (0)20 7008 5000 or +977 (0) 1423 7100 for consular assistance.
Travel advice can be found at: https://gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nepal
Watch: Watch: Nepal bridge collapses in powerful flash floods
17:50 , Maira ButtA timeline of deadly Himalayan disasters as Nepal floods kill dozens
17:20 , Maira ButtAt least 95 people were killed on Wednesday when a severe flash flood struck Himalayan border regions across Nepal and neighbouring Tibet.
The torrent destroyed villages, power facilities, roads and bridges, with local officials fearing that casualties will rise.
Below are several major Himalayan disasters over the past 12 years, which some analysts have linked to climate change and rapid development in the region.
A timeline of deadly Himalayan disasters as Nepal floods kill dozens
Red Cross releases over £900k to support local rescue efforts
17:05 , James ReynoldsThe International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is releasing more than £900,000 in emergency funding to support the response to the flash floods in Nepal.
The IFRC said in a statement shared with The Independent on Wednesday that the funding, worth one million Swiss Francs, would help the Nepal Red Cross respond to urgent needs while teams assess the scale of the destruction and identify communities in need.
“The priority now is to reach affected communities and get assistance to people who have lost their homes, suffered injuries or have been cut off,” said the IFRC head of delegation for Nepal, David Fisher.
“The release of emergency funding means the Nepal Red Cross can act immediately while assessments continue. We are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to provide additional support if needs increase.
“We will not forget support for their long-term recovery either, since entire villages and market areas have been wiped out”.
What caused the devastating Nepal flash floods on the Tibet border?
16:50 , Maira ButtPolice confirmed that the bodies of at least 22 victims have been recovered following the disaster.
Dramatic footage captured a torrent of water breaking riverbanks, destroying bridges, houses and infrastructure across communities situated beside the Bhotekoshi River.
What caused the devastating Nepal flash floods on the Tibet border?
In pictures: Homes left in ruin following flash floods in Nepal
16:40 , James Reynolds
Over 50 pilgrims stranded after floods
16:20 , Maira ButtOfficials have said that more than 50 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu have been stranded after a flash flood at the China-Nepal border on Wednesday.
They were travelling from Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and Mayiladuthurai districts and had been travelling in three cars, according to the Hindustan Times.
China says at least 3 dead, 265 missing, in mudslide in Tibet's Gyirong
16:19 , James ReynoldsAt least three people have died, with 265 others missing, following a mudslide in Tibet's Gyirong on Wednesday, China's state broadcaster CCTV said, citing authorities' preliminary tally.
The exact number of casualties is still being verified, CCTV said. These are the first casualty figures provided for the Chinese side of the border.
UK foreign office releases statement following floods
15:48 , Maira ButtBritain’s foreign office has released a statement in the aftermath of devastating flash floods with reports that 33 British people are missing including a 13-year-old girl.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the floods in Nepal,” it said in a statement on X on Wednesday.
“British nationals in Nepal should follow local authority advice and exercise caution while travelling.”
We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the floods in Nepal.
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) August 26, 2026
British nationals in Nepal should follow local authority advice and exercise caution while travelling.
For consular assistance call (+44) (0)207 008 5000 or (+977) (0)14237100. pic.twitter.com/aqz2jz9NBr
13-year-old girl among missing Brits
15:30 , Maira ButtA 13-year-old girl is among the 12 British people missing following flash floods on Wednesday, according to logs shared with PA.
The age of the citizens ranges from 13 to 65, according to the logs.
At least 403 missing including 341 foreign nationals, says Nepal's tourism board
15:25 , Maira ButtNepal’s tourism board has said that at least 403 people are missing following flash floods, including 341 foreign nationals from 26 different countries.
Death toll rises to 95, says Nepal tourism board
15:14 , Maira ButtAt least 95 people have been killed in flash floods that have hit the border between China and Nepal, Reuters has reported on Wednesday citing police.
PM Modi offers 'humanitarian assistance' to Nepal
14:50 , Maira ButtIndia’s prime minister Narendra Modi has offered his condolences and support following devastating flash floods on Wednesday.
“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,” he wrote on X.
He also offered “all possible humanitarian assistance” possible.
India begins evacuation in six districts
14:20 , Maira ButtIndia’s Bihar state has begun evacuating people from six districts due to fear over floods, according to an Indian official.
What triggered the catastrophic flood on the Nepal-Tibet border?
13:59 , Maira ButtTorrential floods swallowed roads, bridges, houses, and power projects in the border areas of Nepal, and triggered a mudslide that hit Gyirong Port, a major land crossing with neighbouring Tibet, cutting roads, communications, and power links to the area.
Dozens of people have also been injured.
It is suspected that an earthquake struck the region and triggered an ice-rock avalanche on the Lhende Khola river in Nepal, causing the floods.
The river runs through both Nepal and Tibet.
Twenty-two bodies recovered after Nepal-Tibet flash flood, police say
13:36 , Maira ButtA total of 22 bodies have been recovered after torrential flooding in the Himalayan border areas of Nepal and Tibet, a police official said on Wednesday.
Nepal flash floods carry away bridge in seconds as at least 17 killed
13:10 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarTorrential floods in the Himalayan border areas of Nepal and China's Tibet killed at least 17 people and destroyed roads, bridges, and power projects on Wednesday, according to reports.
Authorities in both countries braced for more casualties and worse damage.
More here.
Nepal flash floods carry away bridge in seconds as at least 17 killed
Xi Jinping calls for all-out rescue effort in Tibet
13:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarChinese president Xi Jinping has called for an all-out search and rescue effort in Tibet following the flash flood at the Nepal-Tibet border.
Chinese state media has warned of "major casualties", although numbers were not immediately clear.CCTV footage showed Gyirong port in Tibet being hit by a mudslide.
Nepal seeks India and China's help in rescue efforts
12:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarNepal has now reached out to India and China to help with rescue efforts as the death toll from today's flood continues to rise.
"We have asked both India and China to help us with the rescue efforts," said Sasmit Pokharel, a spokesperson for the Nepali government.
Watch: Nepal bridge collapses in powerful flash floods
12:31 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar17 killed after avalanche triggers flash floods in Nepal
12:31 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAt least 17 people were killed after an avalanche triggered a massive flash flood that swept through part of Nepal this afternoon.
The Nepal police confirmed to the BBC that 17 bodies have been discovered in various districts following the floods.
The Bhotekoshi River flooded around 9am local time, destroying several villages as well as roads and hydropower projects, officials said. They issued warnings to residents of several of Nepal's districts and asked them to stay away from the banks of Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers.
"We have asked both India and China to help us with the rescue efforts," said Sasmit Pokharel, a spokesperson for the Nepali government.
Nepal flash floods triggered by earthquake, says minister
12:28 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarNepal's devastating flash floods were triggered by an earthquake that hit the Nepal-Tibet border region around 8.30am local time, said foreign minister Shishir Khanal.
Khanal told the parliament that the earthquake then triggered an avalanche, which in turn resulted in flash floods.
He said that, along with Nepal, the Chinese region of Tibet was experiencing "huge damage".
Lhende Khola River witnesses maximum flooding
12:23 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOf the rivers affected, the Lhende Khola – a tributary of the Bhotekoshi River – witnessed the most flooding, Nepali government officials said.
"The Lhende Khola has flooded twice in fourteen months, this time triggered by an ice rock avalanche from a glacier on the Nepal side that blocked the river and released a sudden surge downstream," said Saswata Sanyal, a disaster risk reduction specialist at the climate research group."
In a warming Himalaya, early warning is the first line of adaptation," he added.
The Himalayan region, which crosses Nepal and several nearby countries including India, is especially vulnerable to heavy rains, floods and landslides because the area is warming up faster than the rest of the world due to human-caused climate change.
Eight killed and 100 missing as flash flood sweeps Nepal
12:23 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarSouth Korea to send rescue team as eight citizens missing in Nepal floods
12:21 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarEight South Koreans working on a hydropower plant were missing, and 10 others were stranded, following a massive flash flood along the Nepal-Tibet border, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The workers were employed by Korea Energy and Doosan Enerbility Co, the report said, adding that Nepal has deployed a rescue team to search the affected area.
Another 10 South Korean workers affiliated with Doosan Enerbility are stranded in the area and awaiting a helicopter sent by Nepalese authorities to evacuate them, it said.
Seoul said it has established a task force led by the foreign minister and plans to send a joint rapid-response team comprising government officials and fire and police authorities to Nepal as soon as possible.
12 UK nationals among hundreds missing in Nepal floods
12:19 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAt least 384 tourists, including 291 from countries including India, the US, the UK, South Korea, Australia and Malaysia, were reported missing during the flash floods in the Bhotekoshi River along the Nepal-Tibet border.
Among the missing were 12 British nationals, according to officials.
An avalanche of ice and rock triggered massive flash floods that swept through parts of Nepal, killing at least eight people and causing widespread damage to villages and infrastructure.
The Nepal Tourism Board, in a post on X, said it was "working to verify" the whereabouts and safety status of those travelling through the region.
Eight killed after avalanche triggers flash floods in Nepal
12:17 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAt least eight people were killed after an avalanche triggered a massive flash flood that swept through part of Nepal this afternoon.
The Bhotekoshi River flooded around 9am local time, destroying several villages as well as roads and hydropower projects, officials said. They issued warnings to residents of several of Nepal's districts and asked them to stay away from the banks of Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers.
"We have asked both India and China to help us with the rescue efforts," said Sasmit Pokharel, a spokesperson for the Nepali government.
