A devastating flash flood struck the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, 2026, killing at least 160 people and leaving hundreds more missing, including 34 Australians. The flood swept through villages in Gyirong County, Chinese-controlled Tibet, with CCTV footage showing floodwaters engulfing the area.

Tibetan and Nepali Australians are anxiously awaiting news of family and friends caught in the disaster. Tashi, a 51-year-old Tibetan living in Melbourne for 13 years, expressed worry for her nephew's wife and child. Her nephew works at the border police station in Gyirong County, but attempts to contact his family have failed as phone lines remain disconnected.

Tenzin Khangsar, co-chair of the Australia Tibet Council, said many community members have seen news of the flood on social media. Mr. Gompo reported that many people were working in the fields and fled when a mudslide struck. In the Northern Territory, where nearly 3,000 Nepali people reside, many spent the day monitoring emerging photos and videos from the flood.

Residents affected by the flood described the scene as devastating, with homes and fields buried in thick mud. Concerns remain high for those in downstream areas.

Notable Quotes

  • "They tried to ring her, but the phone was not able to connect," said Tashi.
  • "They told me many [people] were working in the fields and ran when a mudslide came," Mr. Gompo said.
  • "I'm worried about the Tibetan people affected around my village or nearby, and also the people in the downstream as well."
  • "It was devastating, and my heart goes to the families and the people who are affected by this flood outburst."
  • "Lucky my parents escaped, but my home and all our fields are all buried in the mud."

The situation remains fluid as communities in Australia and the affected regions await further updates.

Sources

ABC Australia News