Flash Floods Hit Nepal and Tibet

Flash floods hit Nepal and Tibet on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026. Scientists believe an ice avalanche caused the flood since there was no rainfall in the affected area.

According to the New York Times, officials reported 157 deaths in Nepal; China’s Xinhua news agency reported at least 3 deaths and 256 people missing.

Floodwater from the Trishuli River destroyed many bridges and partly buried towns. Nepal’s prime minister said at least 19 bridges and 40km of roads have been swept away. The flooding also damaged Gyirong Port, a town that sits on the Chinese and Nepalese border.

Nepal’s tourism board reported that 391 foreign travelers were missing. This included more than 100 people from India, a dozen people from Britain, and at least three Americans.

Sadhguru, an Indian spiritual leader, said that 77 people participating in his Isha Foundation’s tours were at the border immigration center when floodwater arrived. “There has been no official information on the whereabouts of any of the people who were at the immigration office,” he said. “We are working with the authorities to see if we can get to the location and stand ready to be part of the rescue efforts.”