KATHMANDU, NEPAL – As of August 28, 2026, Nepalese authorities have successfully rescued 121 foreign nationals from areas severely affected by recent flash floods. Among those saved, 85 are Indian nationals, making them the largest group of foreign travelers rescued. Other nationalities include 16 Chinese, nine South Koreans, two each from the US, Russia, and Italy, and one each from Bulgaria and Switzerland, with three individuals yet to be identified.
Devastation Across River Systems
The catastrophic floods, believed to have originated from a massive torrent of water, ice, rock, and debris following a suspected glacier and bedrock collapse on August 26, have wreaked havoc across several Himalayan river systems. The Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems have been particularly hard-hit, with extensive damage reported to homes, bridges, roads, hydropower facilities, and other critical infrastructure.
The disaster has also severely impacted the vital route connecting Kathmandu with Lhasa, a crucial corridor for tourists, trekkers, pilgrims, and traders. Rescue teams face immense challenges navigating through thick mud and debris, with damaged roads and bridges significantly restricting access to affected regions like Rasuwa and Nuwakot.
Ongoing Search and Rising Toll
While the Nepal Tourism Board's figures focus on foreign travelers, the wider disaster continues to unfold with a grim toll. According to Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the death toll has reached 538, and 977 people remain missing across the country. Overall, 3,742 individuals have been rescued, with 14,829 security personnel deployed for search-and-rescue operations. More than 3,000 people have also been airlifted to safety.
The latest rescue figures offer a glimmer of hope, especially for families awaiting news of their loved ones. However, the search for hundreds of other foreign nationals, particularly those traveling towards Kailash Mansarovar, continues.
New Flood Threat Complicates Efforts
Adding to the challenges, rescue operations are now being complicated by the potential for another major flood. Authorities are closely monitoring a lake formed by debris near the Nepal-Tibet border, which poses a significant threat of further downstream flooding to already devastated communities. With water levels rising, the risk of additional catastrophic events remains high, demanding constant vigilance from emergency responders.
“The search for stranded and missing foreign travellers has continued through Friday,” stated a Nepal Tourism Board update, highlighting the persistent efforts amidst the crisis.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster, international cooperation and sustained rescue efforts remain crucial to mitigating the impact and aiding recovery.