Kathmandu, August 27, 2026: A massive flash flood that swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday was not primarily caused by rainfall in Nepal, but by a cascading chain of geological and glacial events, according to preliminary assessments by Nepalese authorities and scientists.
A huge mass of ice, rock and debris reportedly broke away near the Nepal-China border, about 20 kilometres northeast of the Rasuwagadhi border crossing, and fell into the Lhende Khola, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi River. The debris temporarily blocked the river before the accumulated water and material suddenly burst downstream at around 9 am.
The resulting surge swept through parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts, overflowing the Bhote Koshi River and causing extensive destruction. Settlements, bridges, roads and hydropower facilities were damaged or washed away, with Timure and Syafrubesi among the affected areas.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister said a 4.4-magnitude earthquake recorded at around 8:37 am triggered the landslide. The United States Geological Survey also recorded an earthquake of the same magnitude and timing.
However, scientists from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the United States are investigating whether the seismic signal may instead have been generated by the landslide itself, rather than by a separate earthquake.
Scientists have described the disaster as a “cascading hazard” and a “glacier-inclusive flood”, highlighting concerns over the increasing instability of Himalayan glaciers amid climate change and accelerated ice melt.
More than 30 people have been confirmed dead, while over 350 remain missing, including Indian pilgrims travelling towards Kailash Mansarovar. Search and rescue operations are continuing, with security personnel deployed to reach stranded communities and assess the damage.
The flooding has also disrupted key transport routes and raised concerns over rising water levels downstream along the Trishuli River.
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his call, condolences and offer of assistance, saying India’s solidarity reflected the enduring friendship between the two countries.
🙏PRAY for NEPAL🙏
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