American tourists among nearly 400 missing in Nepal after flash flood
A flash flood in Nepal's Bhote Koshi River, near the Tibet border, on August 26 left hundreds unaccounted for, including several Americans, with authorities reporting about 384 travelers missing overall and at least 22 deaths. The disaster struck in the Rasuwa district, complicating search and rescue as damaged bridges and roads hinder access to affected communities. The incident prompted rapid humanitarian response, with Nepal Red Cross teams delivering water, shelter materials, blankets and first aid while national tourism authorities work to confirm nationalities and safety statuses of the missing. The situation highlights the vulnerability of hill-region travel hubs to weather events and the ongoing need for emergency coordination and aid distribution. More updates and assessments were expected as teams reach isolated areas and verify information.
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The event occurred on August 26 at about 8:30 a.m. local time, when a flash flood hit the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal's northern Rasuwa district near the Tibetan border.
Nepal's tourism board reported that about 384 travelers remain missing, including 291 foreign nationals, as search efforts continue.
At least 22 bodies had been recovered, with authorities citing local police and Reuters in confirming casualties.
Missing foreigners include at least three Americans, around a dozen British nationals, and more than 100 Indians, with officials still verifying many other nationals’ statuses.
The disaster has caused widespread damage to homes in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, and damaged bridges and roads, complicating access for responders and affected residents.
Nepal Red Cross teams have begun deploying to affected areas and are providing initial aid such as water, shelter materials, blankets, and first aid supplies.
Authorities and humanitarian groups are coordinating to confirm nationalities and safety statuses of the missing and to assess further needs as the response unfolds.