At least 168 people have been confirmed killed by massive flash flooding that struck the Nepal-Tibet border region on Wednesday, August 27, 2026, according to emergency authorities in Nepal and China.

The flooding occurred around 8:40 a.m. local time in the northern Rasuwa district along the border with Tibet, inundating areas along the Trishuli River, burying buildings, and damaging bridges and roadways. The flood was reportedly triggered by a landslide about 12 miles northeast of the Rasuwagadhi border post along the Nepal-China frontier, according to Nepal Disaster Management.

More than 1,300 people remained missing as of Thursday morning, with at least 826 individuals—579 tourists including 476 foreign nationals and 114 Nepali nationals—still out of contact, the Nepal National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported. The Nepal Tourism Board announced that 65 Americans are among the missing.

In the Chinese region of Tibet, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported three confirmed deaths and 558 people missing.

An Indian spiritual leader and entrepreneur known as Sadhguru stated that 77 people on tours organized by his Isha Foundation were at an immigration center at the Nepal-Tibet border when the floodwaters hit.

Search and rescue efforts continued in Nepal on Thursday, with authorities reporting that at least 165 bodies had been recovered.

The United States extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and announced $500,000 in assistance through Catholic Relief Services to support emergency shelter, relief items, and water, sanitation, and hygiene aid for flood-affected communities.

Offering heartfelt tribute to all those who lost their lives, officials extended sincere condolences to bereaved families and relatives.

Sources