26.08.2026 20:30
The flood and landslide disaster in Nepal's Rasuwa district on the border with China has left behind severe devastation. At least 98 people have lost their lives in the area, where border crossings, bridges, and roads have been swept away by the waters, and hundreds of people remain unaccounted for. Homes, vehicles, and infrastructure facilities swept up by the flood have been rendered unusable, and images coming from the region after the disaster have revealed the scale of the destruction.
Severe floods and landslides in the border region between Nepal and China have caused widespread destruction in both countries. In Nepal's Rasuwa district, at least 95 people lost their lives after the Bhotekoshi River overflowed, while 403 people are still unaccounted for. In China's Tibet region, 3 people were reported dead and 265 are missing. Thus, the total death toll in the two countries has reached at least 98.
GATE ON CHINA BORDER SUCCUMBS TO FLOODWATERS
One of the hardest-hit points was the Rasuwagadhi border crossing, an important transit point for Nepal's trade with China. The flood and mudflow swept away customs facilities, vehicles, bridges, and surrounding structures at the border.
In images from the region, a massive mass of debris carried by the floodwaters is seen engulfing structures in the border area within seconds, and it was reported that a large part of the Rasuwagadhi customs facility has become unusable.
42-KILOMETER ROAD COMPLETELY DAMAGED
The disaster was not limited to the border crossing. Nepal's Department of Roads announced that the 42-kilometer road connecting Betrawati to the Rasuwagadhi border crossing was completely damaged by the flood.
Numerous concrete bridges along the route were also swept away by the waters. It was reported that the damage in the approximately 16-kilometer section between Syabrubesi and the border has not yet been fully determined.
403 PEOPLE MISSING
According to data from the Nepal Tourism Board, 403 people are missing in the country. It was reported that 341 of them are foreigners and 62 are Nepali citizens.
Among the missing are 133 Indians, 47 Americans, 34 Australians, 33 Britons, and 24 Canadians. It is noted that some of the missing are pilgrims heading to Mount Kailash in Tibet and tourists in the Rasuwa area.
HOMES, BRIDGES, AND ENERGY FACILITIES SWEPT AWAY
Floodwaters hit numerous settlements along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. Homes, roads, bridges, vehicles, and hydroelectric facilities suffered major damage.
Nepal Electricity Authority also announced that six major hydroelectric and transmission facilities were affected by the flood. Due to heavy damage in the area, rescue teams reportedly had difficulty reaching some locations.
HEAVY TOLL ON CHINESE SIDE TOO
The disaster's effects were also felt in Tibet on the other side of the Nepali border. In China's Gyirong County, it was announced that 3 people died and 265 are missing due to a mudflow.
Security camera footage from the border area showed a giant mass of water, rock, and mud advancing toward a settlement, sweeping away vehicles and buildings.
CAUSE OF DISASTER UNDER INVESTIGATION
While the exact cause of the flood has not yet been fully clarified, Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said that a 4.4 magnitude earthquake in the area may have triggered a massive landslide and blocked the river.
Experts, on the other hand, are considering the possibility that an ice and rock mass movement on the Tibetan side temporarily blocked a river, after which accumulated water and debris surged downstream in a giant wave.
SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS CONTINUE
The Nepali army, police, and other rescue teams continue their efforts in the region. However, destroyed roads and bridges, damaged communication lines, and the mountainous terrain are hampering operations.
Authorities have warned citizens living along the banks of the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli, and Narayani rivers of the risk of new floods, while efforts continue to locate missing persons and assess the damage.