Bhotekoshi Flash Flood Kills 157+, Hundreds Missing Including 34 Australians
Devastating flash flood on Bhotekoshi river kills 157+, 400+ missing including 34 Australians. Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading declared crisis zones. Full coverage.
By Nepalese Events Editorial
Published: 2026-08-27T17:18:00.000000Z
Category: Nepal Flood Disaster
A massive flash flood on the Bhotekoshi river near the Nepal-China border has killed at least 157 people with over 400 still missing, including 34 Australian nationals, in one of Nepal's worst disasters in recent years.
The flood struck at approximately 9 AM on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, after an avalanche on the Tibetan side of the border blocked the Lende tributary of the Bhotekoshi river. When the natural dam burst, a wall of water, mud and rock surged through Nepali communities with no warning — there was no rainfall in the area, and residents were going about their daily routines.
Huge Toll, Hundreds Missing
Nepal Police reported that 157 bodies had been recovered as of Thursday morning, with the death toll expected to rise sharply as search and rescue operations continue. The Prime Minister's Office stated that 403 people are reported missing, including:
- 341 foreign nationals (133 Indians on Kailash pilgrimage, 47 Americans, 34 Australians, 33 British, 24 Canadians, and nationals from at least 26 countries)
- 44 army personnel
- 28 police officers
- 13 armed police personnel
- 60 civilian employees working on hydropower projects
The flood first hit Timure, near Nepal's border with China at Rasuwagadhi, before surging downstream through Syaphrubesi, Mailung, Betrawati and into the Trishuli river. It caused widespread destruction across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts.
Massive Infrastructure Damage
According to preliminary government estimates:
- 19 motorable bridges swept away
- 40 kilometres of highway destroyed
- 9 hydropower projects destroyed
- 9 branches of commercial banks swept away
- 300+ vehicles washed away at the Rasuwagadhi customs checkpoint
- Goods worth billions of rupees — imported from China for upcoming festivals including Teej, Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath — swept away
Government Response
The Cabinet held an emergency meeting and declared the affected local levels as flood crisis areas. The Home Minister was authorised to mobilise helicopters and all available res for rescue operations.
An MI-17 helicopter equipped with an emergency medical rescue team was deployed. The Armed Police Force mobilised around 1,100 personnel. At least 97 people have been evacuated by air, according to the Nepal Army.
India has sent 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid. Several donor agencies have pledged support. All political parties in parliament have pledged united support for the government's disaster response, with an all-party meeting called to coordinate relief efforts.
Australians Among the Missing
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 34 Australian nationals are among the missing. The Australian government has issued a statement through Foreign Minister Penny Wong, confirming that consular officials are working with Nepali authorities to locate Australian citizens.
Members of the Australian Nepali community are anxiously awaiting news from family and friends back home. Many have taken to social media to share information and seek updates about loved ones in the affected areas.
Relief Efforts Underway
The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has announced a Rs 50 million relief package and formed a "Relief and Rescue Committee for Rasuwa Flood Victims." NRNA chapters in Australia, UK, Canada, Japan, UAE, and other countries have pledged financial support.
UNICEF Australia has launched a Nepal Flash Flood Appeal 2026, and Caritas Australia has launched a Nepal Floods Appeal. Both are accepting donations from the Australian public.
For verified ways to help from Australia, visit our Nepal Flood Relief page.
s: Reuters, Kathmandu Post, OnlineKhabar, CNBC, Nepal Police, Prime Minister's Office, Nepal Tourism Board, 7News Australia. Published 28 August 2026.
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