This is an evolving news story – the information below is up-to-date as of 12pm BST on Friday 28 August 2026. For the latest updates in the UK, visit BBC News and Gov.uk.
On 26 August, a devastating flash flood swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border, killing at least 469 people in Nepal, while over 1,500 remain missing, according to the latest figures from Nepali authorities. At least five more people have died on the Chinese side of the border in Tibet. The number of missing includes hundreds of tourists, trekkers and pilgrims, with nationals from more than 30 countries reported unaccounted for.
The disaster began after a major glacier and rock collapse near the Nepal-China border sent a surge of water, mud and debris through the Bhote Koshi river system. Earlier reports attributed the flooding to an avalanche, but subsequent assessments have pointed to a glacial collapse and the resulting debris flow as the trigger, rather than an earthquake.
Fresh flood threat
Nepal has now issued a fresh flood warning on 28 August after water levels rose at the site of the original disaster. “Information has been received that the flow of water mixed with debris and mud has increased again on Friday in the same area of the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa, where a major flood occurred on 26 August,” the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said in a notice, reports IANS.
The new danger is linked to a barrier lake formed near the Nepal-China border after debris blocked a river. Chinese authorities had warned Nepal that around two million cubic metres of water had accumulated in the lake, with another three million cubic metres potentially flowing into it over the following days. Nepal Police also said they had received information that a water dam on the Tibetan side had burst again. The lake subsequently began overflowing, temporarily forcing rescue operations to be suspended in some areas.
The risk is particularly serious because a sudden breach could send another large volume of water and debris downstream into areas already devastated by the first flood. Authorities are therefore monitoring the lake closely and have asked residents, rescuers and others in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli corridors to remain on high alert.
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 10:30 am, 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 over the possibility of 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. Passengers with flights to or from the region should check their individual flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport.
