- More than 100 people were killed and over 750, including 133 Indian nationals, remain missing after the flash flood originating in Tibet swept through central Nepal, devastating towns and villages, washing away bridges, and crippling a dozen hydropower projects.
- A 32-member group from Kolkata on a Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra was among many from West Bengal who went untraceable after the flash floods in Nepal on Wednesday, an official said.
- The group, comprising 30 tourists and two tour managers, left the city on August 21 and reached Nepal the following day. They reached Rasuwagadhi in the morning to cross into Tibet and were at the immigration office around 8.30 am when the flash flood struck.
- There has been no communication with any of the 32 members since the flash flood struck, and the situation on the ground is extremely difficult with disrupted communication.
- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expressed deep anguish and offered condolences, stating the West Bengal government was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and Nepalese authorities to assist affected tourists, pilgrims, workers, and businessmen from the state.
- The West Bengal government has opened helplines at the state police headquarters in Bhabani Bhavan; families can contact (033) 24793311 or 9147890181 for assistance.
- Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal told parliament that an earthquake hit Tibet at 8.37 am and flash floods were reported three minutes later, suggesting a glacial outburst triggered the disaster.
- Flash floods reported in central Nepal have resulted in the destruction of towns, washing away bridges, and crippling hydropower projects.
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the local administration in Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts to ensure all necessary preparedness measures and vigilance in view of the severe flooding of the Bhotekoshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa region.
- Due to the flooding in Nepal, water levels in the Gandak and Narayani rivers in Maharajganj and Kushinagar may rise, and the Chief Minister has instructed the local administration to maintain strict vigilance and closely monitor the rivers’ water levels.
- Mr. Adityanath prayed to Lord Pashupatinath for the safety and well-being of all those affected by the flooding in Nepal.
A flash flood in Nepal has resulted in over 100 fatalities and left 750 individuals missing, including a 32-member group from Kolkata on a pilgrimage. The disaster struck on August 26, 2026, following an earthquake in Tibet that likely caused a glacial outburst.12
The group, consisting of 30 tourists and two tour managers, was at the immigration office in Rasuwagadhi when the flood hit. Communication with them has been lost since the incident, raising concerns among their families. An official stated, “There has been no communication with any of the 32 members since the flash flood struck the area.”3456
In response to the disaster, U.P. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered heightened vigilance in the bordering districts of Maharajganj and Kushinagar, anticipating rising water levels in local rivers. He expressed his concern, stating, “The damage caused by the flooding in Nepal is extremely concerning.”
The West Bengal government is actively coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to assist affected individuals. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expressed his sorrow, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives.” Helplines have been established for families seeking information about their missing relatives.7891011
Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal indicated that the earthquake, which struck at 8:37 am local time, may have triggered the flash floods just three minutes later, leading to widespread devastation.12
“The flood, triggered by an earthquake at 8.37 am, likely caused a glacial outburst, per Nepal's foreign minister. West Bengal has opened helplines at (033) 24793311 and 9147890181, while a helicopter from the travel agency has been sent to the affected area.”
