Kathmandu, August 26 (TNA) A devastating glacial-triggered flash flood tore through Nepal's Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa district on Wednesday morning, leaving 384 travellers -including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens-reported missing, according to a preliminary situation update issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
The flood struck at around 8:30–9:00 am local time, after an avalanche of ice and rock is believed to have triggered massive flash floods along the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers, devastating settlements, roads and hydropower infrastructure across Rasuwa, Dhading and Nuwakot districts near the Nepal-China border.
Authorities have confirmed at least eight deaths so far, with rescue operations continuing amid warnings for residents to stay away from riverbanks in the affected districts.
Indians Make Up Largest Share of Missing Foreign Nationals
Of the 291 foreign nationals listed as missing, India accounts for the largest number at 105, with an additional 37 identified as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The remaining foreign nationals include citizens of Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and South Africa, though the nationalities of several travellers are yet to be confirmed.
Agency-Wise Breakdown
According to the NTB's preliminary agency-wise record, compiled from ten tourism and travel companies, the missing travellers were associated with the following agencies:
Trekkers Society-92 travellers (77 foreign nationals, nationalities yet to be confirmed; 15 Nepali)
Samrat Tours & Travels -71 travellers (59 Indian; 12 Nepali)
Leaf Holiday-55 travellers - (46 Indian; 9 Nepali)
Himalayan Glacier-52 travellers (37 NRI; 15 Nepali)
Kailash Journey-31 travellers (26 foreign, nationalities yet to be confirmed; 5 Nepali)
Fishtail Tours & Travels-27 travellers (20 foreign-3 USA, 17 Malaysia; 7 Nepali)
Alpine Eco Trek-20 travellers (16 foreign-12 UK, 4 South Africa; 4 Nepali)
Kathmandu Holiday Tours & Travels-17 travellers (2 foreign-1 Australia, 1 Netherlands; 15 Nepali)
Richa Tours & Travels-12 travellers (8 foreign, nationalities yet to be confirmed; 4 Nepali)
Explore Vacation-7 travellers (all 7 Nepali)
Verification Underway
The Nepal Tourism Board stressed that the figures remain preliminary and are being cross-checked in coordination with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies. Tourist Police and other tourism stakeholders are working to establish the whereabouts and safety status of all those reported missing from the affected areas.
A Familiar and Recurring Threat
Wednesday's disaster closely mirrors a similar flash flood that struck the same region in July 2025, when a glacial lake outburst on the Tibetan side of the border sent a surge down the Lhende stream into the Bhotekoshi, killing at least nine people, sweeping away the Miteri Bridge connecting Nepal and China, and damaging the Rasuwagadhi hydropower project.
Climate researchers at the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development have said Wednesday's flood was also likely caused by a glacial avalanche or outburst, with the Lhende Khola tributary again witnessing the most severe flooding.