Kathmandu, August 26, 2026: A devastating flash flood in Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district has left 384 travellers out of contact, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens, according to a preliminary update from the Nepal Tourism Board.

The sudden flood swept through the Bhote Koshi River area near the Tibet border on Wednesday morning, damaging settlements, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Authorities are still working to establish the whereabouts of those listed as missing.

Foreign travellers among those missing

The preliminary list includes 105 Indian nationals, making them the largest identified foreign group. Another 37 people have been identified as non-resident Indians, while other missing foreign travellers include citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, South Africa and the Netherlands.

Officials have stressed that the figure of 384 is not a confirmed death toll. The people have been reported missing or out of contact, and their status is being checked through travel companies, guides, local authorities and security agencies.

Verification operation underway

The Nepal Tourism Board said its preliminary information was collected from tourism and travel agencies operating in the affected region. Officials are now cross-checking the records to determine which travellers have reached safety and which may still require rescue.

The list includes travellers associated with several tourism companies. The largest preliminary group, 92 people, was linked to Trekkers Society, while other groups were associated with Samrat Tours & Travels, Leaf Holiday, Himalayan Glacier and Kailash Journey.

Kailash Mansarovar route affected

The flooding has also disrupted travel routes used by pilgrims and trekkers heading towards destinations including Kailash Mansarovar and Gosainkunda. The damage to roads and bridges has made movement through the mountainous region particularly difficult.

The disaster has affected areas around Timure and Syafrubesi, while transport links leading towards the Rasuwagadhi border crossing have also suffered damage. Rescue teams are facing additional challenges because of the difficult Himalayan terrain and blocked access routes.

Search and rescue teams deployed

Nepal Army, Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force have been mobilised for search and rescue operations. Helicopters, drones and other resources are being used to locate people and provide assistance in areas that are difficult to reach by road.

Authorities have also issued warnings to people living near rivers in downstream areas because of continuing flood risks. The Bhote Koshi eventually feeds into the Trishuli River system, increasing concern for communities farther downstream.

Emergency numbers issued

The Nepal Tourism Board has asked travellers and their families to rely on official information and avoid unverified reports circulating online.

For emergency assistance, the Tourism Board has provided 1234 as a toll-free number and 1144 as a hotline. The Tourist Police can also be contacted at 9851289445.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has separately issued emergency numbers for information and assistance concerning Indian nationals affected by the disaster.

As rescue operations continue, officials are emphasising that the list of 384 travellers remains preliminary. The coming hours are expected to provide a clearer picture of how many people have reached safety and how many still need assistance.

For families waiting for information, authorities have urged patience while teams continue the difficult task of verifying every name and tracing travellers across the flood-affected Himalayan region.