Catastrophic Flash Floods Strike Rasuwa around 9:00 AM on Wednesday, August 26
RASUWA: Early this morning, around 9:00 AM, flash floods originating from the Tibetan side affected parts of Rasuwa District, including Timmure, Rasuwagadhi, and Syabrubesi. The floods have caused significant damage, displaced residents, and disrupted traffic along important supply routes in the area.
Latest Update – August 26, 2026, 4:00 PM
- Seven people have been confirmed dead in the Rasuwa flash floods.
- A bus carrying pilgrims from Gorkha to Gosaikunda went missing in the Lende Khola area. Six people reportedly managed to jump from the bus and escape to safety.
- According to a spokesperson for the Nepali Army, at least 25 people had been safely rescued by Wednesday afternoon.
- 291 foreign, 93 Nepali travellers listed missing after Rasuwa flash flood heading for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
- The flood damaged infrastructure linked to 11 hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 405 MW, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
- More than 20 suspension and motorable bridges from Rasuwa to Malkhu is swept away.
- The concrete bridge over Furke Khola, connecting Dhading Besi with the district headquarters, has also been swept away by the floods.
- Chinese and Nepali scientists suggest that an ice avalanche may have blocked an upstream channel, contributing to the Rasuwa flood.
- With the risk of another flood remaining high, authorities have maintained a strict high-alert status across Rasuwa and downstream districts.
Source: Multiple online media outlets, news channels, local sources, and eyewitness reports.
Eyewitnesses reported that the volume and force of the rushing floodwater were enormous and difficult to predict. In some areas, the water and debris reportedly reached heights equivalent to 15–20-storey buildings.
“The roar of the river sounded like thunder. Within minutes, the water was rushing through the streets. People barely had time to grab their families and run.”
The disaster unfolded within just a few minutes, with the powerful floodwaters sweeping away houses, roads, settlements, vehicles, and police personnel, causing widespread destruction across the affected areas.
Nepal’s disaster response and rescue teams were mobilized immediately by helicopter to assist the affected areas. However, the helipad itself was also swept away by the flood, making rescue operations extremely difficult and delaying immediate response efforts.
The disaster also caused severe damage to hydropower infrastructure in the region. Powerhouses and structures along the Rasuwagadhi, Chilime, and Trishuli corridors were heavily affected, resulting in significant damage and operational shutdowns.
Authorities issued high-alert warnings along the Trishuli River basin down to Mugling. Residents living near the river have been advised to remain highly vigilant and move to safer areas.
The disruption has stranded hundreds of travelers, tourists, and freight trucks carrying essential goods. Key segments of the Pasang Lhamu Highway leading to Syabrubesi have been completely washed away or blocked by massive landslides triggered by the floods.
The Prime Minister and disaster management authorities have deployed additional rescue helicopters and medical relief. Search, rescue, and relief operations are currently ongoing in the affected areas.
The Rasuwa Flash Flood Damage and Destruction Report is currently being compiled as rescue and relief operations continue. Further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.
URGENT PUBLIC NOTICE
Bhotekoshi river Rasuwa has entered the coastal areas of Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river (to Muglin) with high alert, until further notice, the family residing in river coastal areas of Rasuwa, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan and Nuwakot districts should stay in a safe place and search and rescue is necessary or any If you see a situation of assistance, it is requested to call toll free number 1234 immediately. Also, it is requested not to travel on Prithvi Highway, Galchi-Nuwakot-Rasuwa-Safrubesi road, Mugling-Narayangadh road and to impose full stop on transportation to the mentioned places.
The news is still developing. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
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