This is an evolving news story – the information below is up-to-date as of 4pm BST on Wednesday 26 August 2026. For the latest updates in the UK, visit BBC News and Gov.uk.
On 26 August, a flash flood swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border, killing at least 95 people and leaving hundreds of travellers missing, as per initial reports coming in from the Nepal Tourism Board. These include visitors from countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa, Malaysia and India. While the exact cause is still being investigated, Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Shishir Khanal told parliament an earthquake in the Himalayan region at 8.37am local time had triggered an avalanche, which may have blocked a river and unleashed devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border.
Domestic security forces are leading large-scale search, rescue, and relief operations, and the country is also receiving backing from neighbouring and international authorities. China is mounting a parallel response on the other side of the border, where the Gyirong area in Tibet has also been hit. President Xi Jinping has called for all-out efforts to find those missing and strengthen monitoring against further disasters. India has offered humanitarian assistance, with emergency supplies and NDRF personnel being prepared for potential deployment. South Korea, meanwhile, is sending a joint rapid-response team after eight of its nationals were reported missing and another 10 stranded. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent network has also activated emergency teams and relief supplies.
Which areas in and around Nepal are impacted by the floods?
In Nepal, Syapru Besi and Timure in Rasuwa district remain the worst affected areas, while damage has also been reported along the Trishuli River in Nuwakot. On the other side of the border, the Gyirong area of Tibet also recorded fatalities. “At approximately 10:30am, due to a mudslide occurring on the Nepalese side, major casualties and missing persons were caused at the Gyirong Port in Gyirong County, Shigatse City, Tibet,” Xinhua reported.
Regions lying around and below the Bhote Koshi river, which flows from Tibet to Nepal, remain on high alert, with local authorities confirming the main road to Kathmandu – which is an important commercial and passenger corridor connecting the capital city to western Nepal, the southern plains (Terai), and the border with India – is closed.
The effects are also being monitored downstream in India, where authorities in Bihar have put six districts along the Kosi, Gandak and Ganga systems on alert for rising river levels as floodwaters move south.
Travel disruptions
Travellers flying to Nepal should distinguish between Kathmandu airport operations and access to the flood-hit north. Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is continuing to list domestic and international arrivals and departures, so passengers with flights to or from Kathmandu should check their individual flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport.
The main disruption is on the ground, with roads and bridges leading towards Rasuwa, Syabrubesi and the Tibet border damaged by the floods. Authorities have advised against travelling into affected areas while rescue operations continue.
Travellers with onward road transfers, trekking itineraries or Kailash Mansarovar plans should contact their operator before setting out and should not assume that a previously arranged vehicle or route remains operational. Those already stranded in affected areas should follow instructions from local authorities rather than attempting to cross damaged roads or river corridors.
What are governments advising travellers?
The Nepal Tourism Board has issued an urgent advisory asking tourists to avoid flood-affected areas and postpone non-essential travel. It has specifically flagged Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan, as well as the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors, and urged travellers to check road conditions before setting out. The Board has also shared emergency contact numbers on X. Visitors can call the Board’s helpline at 1234 (toll-free) or 1144 (emergency hotline), or contact the Tourist Police at (+977) 9851289445.