At Least 160 Killed in Nepal-China Border Flash Floods

At least 160 people have been killed and hundreds remain missing after catastrophic flash floods swept through the Nepal-China border region on Wednesday, destroying villages, roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

Nepal reported 157 deaths, while Chinese state media reported three fatalities in Tibet’s Gyirong County near the border. Officials in Nepal said 403 people were missing, including 341 foreign nationals.

The disaster struck suddenly after what experts believe was an avalanche of ice and rock from a glacier triggered a massive surge of water and debris in the Himalayan region.

The floods devastated parts of Nepal’s Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts, with mud and water inundating buildings, burying vehicles and sweeping away bridges and roads. At least 19 bridges and nearly 40 kilometres of roads were reportedly destroyed.

Among those reported missing are 133 Indian pilgrims travelling toward Mount Kailash in Tibet, along with 47 Americans, 34 Australians, 33 Britons and 24 Canadians.

At least 62 Nepali citizens were also reported missing in the Rasuwa district, where hundreds had been trekking near Gosaikunda Lake during the Janai Purnima festival. At least 28 police officers were among the missing.

Authorities have warned people to stay away from the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers as rescue operations continue. Nepal has sought assistance from India and China to support the search and rescue efforts.

The disaster has also severely disrupted transport and cross-border trade, while several hydropower facilities were damaged.

Experts say the incident highlights the growing risks facing the Himalayan region as rising temperatures contribute to glacier instability. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development said an ice-rock avalanche from a glacier likely triggered the unusually rapid flood wave.

Rescue teams are continuing operations, but difficult terrain, damaged infrastructure and the threat of further flooding are complicating efforts to reach affected communities.