- A rock-ice avalanche near the Tibet-Nepal border on the morning of August 26 washed away homes, villages, and bridges in three districts of Nepal: Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Lalitpur. The devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) claimed around 1,400 lives, with more than 5,500 still missing, including around 800 foreigners.
- The death toll stood at 1,356 as of Monday (September 7, 2026), with 4,994 people missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
- A total of 13,396 people have been rescued so far.
- The floods destroyed 41 motorable bridges between Rasuwa and Chitwan, and four others were partially damaged, leaving only 18 of the 63 bridges along the corridor intact.
- The floods severed several critical road links, including the road connection with Nuwakot in Rasuwa and the destruction of the concrete bridge at Furke Khola, severing the direct link between Dhadingbesi and the Prithvi Highway.
- Nepal has sought temporary bridges from both India and China, which have responded positively. China has already sent two 100-metre Bailey bridges to the Korala border crossing in Mustang, and India has also offered to supply Bailey bridges.
- The Department of Roads has begun clearing and reopening stretches of roads washed away by the floods to make way for installation of temporary bridges, and the Nepali Army is separately installing an Acrow bridge at Devighat in Nuwakot. However, transporting Bailey bridges remains a major challenge because roads to several locations have been swept away.
Nepal is in a race against time to restore critical infrastructure following catastrophic flash floods that struck on August 26, resulting in a death toll of 1,356 and leaving 4,994 people missing. The floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, devastated communities across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Lalitpur, washing away homes, roads, and bridges.2
Authorities have reported that 13,396 people have been rescued so far, but the situation remains dire as the Department of Roads estimates damage to infrastructure at NPR 30 billion, with rebuilding costs projected at NPR 50 billion. The floods destroyed 41 motorable bridges and left only 18 of the 63 bridges along the Rasuwa-Chitwan corridor intact.34
In response, Nepal has sought temporary Bailey bridges from both India and China, which have agreed to assist. China has already dispatched two 100-metre Bailey bridges to the Korala border crossing, while India has also offered support. The Nepali Army is working on installing an Acrow bridge at Devighat in Nuwakot.67891011
The Department of Roads is actively clearing and reopening roads to facilitate the installation of these temporary structures. However, transporting the existing 11 Bailey bridges poses a significant challenge due to the extensive damage to access roads. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the focus remains on reconnecting isolated communities and restoring essential services.
“The floods destroyed 41 motorable bridges between Rasuwa and Chitwan, leaving only 18 of 63 intact, and severed the direct link between Dhadingbesi and the Prithvi Highway. China has sent two 100-metre Bailey bridges to the Korala border crossing, while India has offered to supply more, but transporting them remains a challenge as roads are washed away.”
