Nepal Floods: 165 Dead, 826 Missing; 37 Tamil Nadu Travellers Unaccounted For

Nepal Floods: 165 Dead, 826 Missing; 37 Tamil Nadu Travellers Unaccounted For

A massive flash flood that swept through Nepal’s central and northern regions after an extreme event near the Nepal–Tibet border has caused widespread destruction, with the death toll rising to 165 and 826 people still unaccounted for, according to reports on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

The worst-affected areas include Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Gorkha, Tanahun and Nawalparasi East. Floodwaters carrying mud, rocks and debris have swept away houses, vehicles, bridges and roads and caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure.

The disaster has also triggered major concern in Tamil Nadu, with 57 tourists from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry travelling in Nepal. Of them, 20 people have been confirmed safe, while 37 remain unaccounted for.

The group reportedly includes travellers from Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Tiruchirappalli, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Hosur, Soolagiri and Namakkal. They were travelling towards the Rasuwagadhi–Gyirong border route, which is used by pilgrims travelling towards the Kailash Mansarovar region. Disrupted communication networks in the affected areas have made it difficult for families and authorities to establish contact with the missing travellers.

The Tamil Nadu government has directed officials to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Nepal to trace the missing travellers and provide assistance to their families.

The disaster has also affected other Indian nationals, with reports indicating that more than 130 Indians are among those missing, including pilgrims travelling along the Kailash Mansarovar route.

The Isha Foundation has also reported that 77 members of one of its groups were at an immigration centre when the flooding occurred and remain unaccounted for, while 495 members had already returned safely.

The flash flood affected the Nepal–Tibet border region and the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems. Officials and experts have pointed to a combination of extreme weather and a possible rockslide or glacial outburst as triggers for the sudden release of huge quantities of water, ice and debris.

The floods have caused extensive infrastructure damage, with several bridges and roads destroyed or washed away. Hydropower projects in the affected region have also suffered damage.

Nepal has launched a large-scale search-and-rescue operation involving the Army, Armed Police Force, police personnel and helicopters. India is also coordinating with Nepalese authorities and assisting efforts to locate and support Indian nationals.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued emergency contact numbers for Indians affected by the disaster: +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500.

Rescue operations are continuing, and authorities expect the number of casualties and missing people to change as teams reach remote and severely affected areas.

The situation remains critical, with particular concern in Tamil Nadu over the 37 travellers who are still unaccounted for.