Nepal Flash Flood: 384 Travellers Reported Missing as Bhote Koshi River Floods Rasuwa

A devastating flash flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa district has triggered a major search and rescue operation after 384 travellers were reported unaccounted for, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens.

The sudden flooding occurred in the Bhote Koshi River area near Nepal’s border with Tibet, causing widespread damage to roads, bridges, settlements and other infrastructure. The Nepal Tourism Board said the list of travellers was preliminary and that authorities were working to verify their whereabouts and safety.

384 Travellers Reported Missing

According to preliminary information compiled from tourism and travel agencies, 384 travellers were reported out of contact following the flash flood. Of them, 291 were foreign nationals and 93 were Nepali citizens. The Tourism Board stressed that the figures were still being verified with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies.

Among the foreign nationals identified so far are 105 Indians, along with travellers from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Malaysia, South Africa and other countries. Twelve British citizens, including a 13-year-old girl, were also reported among those unaccounted for.
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What Happened in Rasuwa?

The flash flood surged through the Bhote Koshi River at around 8:30 a.m., affecting areas including Timure and Syabrubesi in Rasuwa. The sudden rise in water caused severe destruction along the river corridor and damaged roads and bridges connecting the region to the Rasuwagadhi border crossing.

The disaster also disrupted communications and transportation, making it difficult for authorities to immediately establish contact with people travelling through the affected region.

Possible Cause of the Flash Flood

Experts are investigating whether a glacier or ice-and-rock collapse triggered the sudden surge. Reuters reported that satellite imagery indicated part of a glacier at high altitude had broken away and fallen into a valley, releasing a powerful flow of ice, rocks and debris. A recent earthquake may also have contributed, although investigations into the exact trigger are continuing.

The resulting surge reportedly travelled rapidly through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, demonstrating the extreme vulnerability of Himalayan communities and travellers to sudden flooding and landslides.

Search and Rescue Operations Underway

Nepalese authorities, security agencies, tourism officials, travel companies and local teams are working together to locate the travellers whose whereabouts remain unconfirmed.

The Nepal Tourism Board has urged families and travellers not to draw conclusions from the preliminary list because the information is still being cross-checked. Officials are also coordinating with guides, tour operators and local authorities to establish who has been safely evacuated or rescued.

Why the Disaster Matters for Travellers

The incident highlights the risks faced by tourists travelling through Nepal's mountainous border regions, particularly during periods of unstable weather.

Popular trekking and pilgrimage routes can pass through steep valleys and alongside rivers that can rise rapidly following landslides, glacier collapses or intense rainfall. Travellers should therefore follow official weather warnings, remain in contact with tour operators and avoid riverbanks or restricted areas during dangerous conditions.

The Nepal flash flood is also a reminder of the importance of reliable emergency communication and rapid evacuation systems in remote Himalayan destinations.

Nepal Flood Situation: What We Know

• 384 travellers were initially reported unaccounted for.

• The preliminary list includes 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens.

• 105 Indian nationals are among the identified foreign travellers.

• The flooding severely affected parts of Rasuwa, including Timure and Syabrubesi.

• Roads, bridges and other infrastructure were damaged.

• Search and rescue teams are working to verify the status of those reported missing.

• Authorities are investigating whether a glacier or ice-and-rock collapse triggered the catastrophic flood.