Sturzfluten an der Nepal-Tibet-Grenze zerstören Dörfer – Hunderte weiterhin vermisst

A massive flash flood devastated the border region between Nepal and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The disaster struck Nepal's Rasuwa district along the Bhote Koshi river and the Chinese border town of Gyirong, an area that serves as a major trade route and pilgrimage corridor. Early reports attributed the flood to a combination of an avalanche and heavy rainfall, which sent a wall of water, mud, and debris surging through the narrow river valley. Villages, bridges, houses, and the customs checkpoint at the Rasuwagadhi border crossing were swept away.

Casualty figures evolved considerably as the day and subsequent coverage progressed. Early reports cited eight deaths, quickly followed by figures of 16, 22, 31, 72, and eventually more than 90 confirmed fatalities; some outlets later reported tolls of 95 or 98. These fluctuations reflect the chaotic and rapidly developing nature of the disaster, as rescue teams continued to gain clearer information about the scale of destruction.

Alongside the rising death toll, the number of missing people also grew. Initial reports spoke of hundreds missing, while later figures specified numbers ranging from 341 to 384 people, including many foreign tourists. A significant portion of those missing were Indian pilgrims traveling the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a traditional pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, revered in Hinduism as the abode of the god Shiva. Indian authorities reported that 133 of their citizens were unaccounted for.

Surveillance footage from Gyirong Port in Tibet showed the flood surging through the area, engulfing buses, buildings, and people before crossing into Nepal's Rasuwa district and causing further devastation. The market town of Timure Bazaar and its customs infrastructure were also severely damaged, with reports describing bridges and houses disappearing within seconds.

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah issued his first public remarks via social media, urging citizens to remain patient and stand together. He ordered the deployment of rescue teams and military units to the affected areas. The Nepali government also warned residents living along rivers to exercise particular caution, anticipating further effects from the flooding.

Rescue operations were also launched on the Chinese side of the border. State broadcaster CCTV reported