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NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 26, 2026Miami-Dade

Flash floods in Nepal and China kill at least 160 and leave hundreds missing

Massive flash floods triggered by a suspected glacial avalanche have killed at least 160 people and left hundreds of tourists and workers missing in the border region between Nepal and China. The disaster destroyed critical infrastructure, including 19 bridges and 40 kilometers of roads, prompting international calls for humanitarian assistance.

natural disasterclimate changeinternational relationshumanitarian aidinfrastructure
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Why It Matters

The disaster has caused significant loss of life and severed essential travel and economic corridors, with hundreds of foreign nationals and local residents currently unaccounted for in the Rasuwa and Gyirong regions.

Key Facts

  • At least 160 people are confirmed dead, with 157 deaths reported in Nepal and 3 in Tibet.
  • 403 people are reported missing, including 341 foreign nationals.
  • Missing foreign nationals include 133 from India, 47 from the U.S., 34 from Australia, 33 from Britain, 24 from Canada, 11 from Malaysia, 9 from South Korea, and 4 from Russia.
  • At least 28 police officials are among the missing in Nepal.
  • 19 bridges and nearly 40 kilometers of road were destroyed.
  • The flood was likely caused by an ice-rock avalanche from a glacier that blocked the Lhende Khola river.
  • Water levels in the Trishuli river rose by 9 meters (27 feet) in 30 minutes.
  • The Bhotekoshi river flooded around 9 a.m. Wednesday, destroying villages and hydropower projects.
  • The region experienced similar flash floods in August of last year.

Who's Mentioned

personShoyam Rajbhandari“Resident of Dhunge bazaar who witnessed the flood.”personNarendra Modi“Indian Prime Minister.”organizationU.S. Geological Survey“Reported seismic activity in the region.”personStephane Dujarric“U.N. spokesperson.”personBalendra Shah“Nepal Prime Minister.”personAbi Narayan Kafle“Nepal police spokesperson.”personSunil Sharma“Tourism board spokesperson.”personSasmit Pokharel“Government spokesperson.”organizationInternational Centre for Integrated Mountain Development“Climate research group based in Kathmandu.”personSaswata Sanyal“Disaster risk reduction specialist.”