Natural Calamities / Nepal Flash Floods: Over 100 Indians Among 384 Tourists Missing in Rasuwa Region

Kathmandu, Aug 26: A devastating flash flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River has left hundreds of tourists unaccounted for in the Rasuwa region, with more than 100 Indian nationals among those reported missing. The disaster struck on Wednesday morning, disrupting settlements and triggering urgent rescue operations across the affected valleys.

According to a preliminary update issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), 384 tourists are currently listed as missing. Of these, 291 are foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens. The foreign nationals include 105 Indians, alongside travellers from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Malaysia, South Africa and the Netherlands. The NTB clarified that these figures are provisional and are being verified with travel agencies, local authorities and security agencies.

📍Rasuwa District, Nepal.

A major sudden flash flood has entered Rasuwa from the Tibet side through the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal.

The exact trigger is still under investigation. Officials and hydrologists are examining the possibility of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)… pic.twitter.com/LtxkarIOnx

— Naveen Reddy (@navin_ankampali) August 26, 2026

The missing travellers are reportedly linked to nine different travel agencies. “The information is being verified and cross-checked in coordination with guides, local authorities and security agencies,” the NTB said in a statement. Authorities have confirmed seven deaths so far, while search and rescue teams continue to comb the flood-hit areas.

The floods have caused widespread disruption in Rasuwa, raising concerns over the safety of tourists and residents. Emergency contact numbers have been issued for families seeking assistance: toll-free 1234, hotline 1144, and the Tourist Police number 9851289445.
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Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah has held consultations with parliamentarians from affected districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan. Earlier in the day, Shah convened a meeting of the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management to review the situation and progress of rescue efforts. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to relief and instructed agencies to relocate displaced families from vulnerable low-lying areas.

Rescue operations remain underway, with authorities urging tourists and residents to stay calm, follow official advisories and cooperate with local agencies. Further updates are awaited as verification of missing persons continues.
(With input from IANS)