Nepal ends search for more than 5,000 missing after August flood that killed 1,455

What happened

Bagmati Province, NP · August 26, 2026

Nepal has ended the search and rescue operation after the 26 August flood that originated at its border with China’s Tibet region, officials said on 5 October. At least 1,455 people were killed and 5,285 remain missing, while 13,795 people were rescued. The National Emergency Operation Centre says the response is moving from search and rescue to rehabilitation.

Shortly after 8:30 in the morning on 26 August 2026, part of a glacier gave way high on the Nepal–Tibet border, above the Bhote Koshi river. The ice and rock fell thousands of metres into the valley below and became a fast-moving surge of water, mud and boulders that swept down through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems.

The wave reached settlements in Rasuwa district first, including Timure and Syapru Besi near the border crossing, before moving downstream into Nuwakot and Dhading. The United States Geological Survey reported that the seismic signal recorded at the time was consistent with a glacier collapse rather than an earthquake.

Whole sections of road and river bank were carried away. Nepali authorities have reported bridges destroyed, hydropower facilities damaged, schools lost and hundreds of vehicles swept away, along with the customs post at the Rasuwagadhi border crossing.

The area is a well-travelled trekking and pilgrimage route, and a large number of those unaccounted for are visitors from other countries. Across the border in Tibet, Chinese authorities have reported at least three deaths and more than 550 people missing in Gyirong County.

People affected

Lives lost

1,455

Missing

5,285

Displaced

1,200

Current situation

Families in Nepal are searching for loved ones, caring for the injured, and facing the loss of homes and livelihoods. Emergency teams are working to reach those affected.