Nepal floods: 16 killed, over 100 Indians missing after floods sweep away villages near Tibet; UP, Bihar borders on alert
Following a sudden flash flood in Nepal on Wednesday morning, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has issued an alert to its formations deployed along the India-Nepal border. The force's 11 Rescue and Relief Teams (RRTs) have been alerted for immediate rescue and relief operations,…
— ANI (@ANI) August 26, 2026
PTC News Desk: At least 16 people were killed and over 100 Indians went missing after severe flash floods hit Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday. The floods swept away homes, vehicles, bridges and several infrastructure project sites. Bihar, which shares a border with Nepal, also issued an alert as the floodwaters moved downstream.
Officials said the floodwaters entered the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibetan side at around 9 am, badly affecting Timure and Syapru Besi. A mudslide also hit the Tibetan side near the Gyirong border crossing, causing deaths and leaving several people missing, according to China’s state-run Xinhua.
The exact cause of the flash floods was not immediately known. Nepal’s Flood Forecasting Division said heavy rainfall in Rasuwa was unlikely to have caused the flooding, while satellite images showed significant rain on the Tibetan side. Officials are investigating whether a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) may have triggered the disaster.
Videos shared on social media showed powerful floodwaters rushing through the area and carrying away a bridge. Another video showed a house collapsing as people ran to safety.
The Nepal government launched rescue operations in the affected areas. However, helicopters could not land in some places because of the high water levels. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an extensive search for missing people in Tibet and called for better monitoring and early-warning systems to prevent further disasters.
Bihar on alert
The Bihar government increased monitoring of the situation as floodwaters moved towards India. Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit held a video conference with district magistrates and instructed officials in areas along the Gandak and Kosi river systems to remain especially alert.
Villages and border market washed away
Rasuwa Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar said officials had received reports that villages and infrastructure sites had been washed away. The full extent of the damage was still being assessed.
Pariyar warned that the disaster could have caused significant loss of life and property.
Timure Bazaar, a market near the Tibet border, and the nearby customs area suffered major damage. Vehicles and goods were swept away by the floodwaters.
A newly built Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadhi was also destroyed. The bridge had been reconstructed after a deadly flood last year.
- PTC NEWS
