Nepal flash floods: More than 300 Indians missing, death toll rises to 165

More than 300 Indian tourists are among thousands of people reportedly missing after flash floods swept through parts of Nepal near the Nepal-Tibet border, with the death toll rising to 165, authorities said on Thursday.

The flash floods on Wednesday wreaked havoc across three districts in Nepal.

Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Thursday said nearly 300 Indians were among thousands reported missing in the floods. Khanal also confirmed that 160 people had died and thousands remained untraced after the tragedy in the Rasuwa region.

Nepal Police later said the death toll had risen to 165 after three more bodies were recovered from Nawalparasi West.

“Thousands of families have lost homes and are missing as of now. We are still trying to ascertain the full extent of the disaster,” Khanal said.

Nepal Police had earlier said that the death toll had risen to 162 in the flash flood on the Bhotekoshi River that wreaked havoc across three districts on Wednesday.

The flash floods were caused after an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River and first hit Timure, near Nepal’s border with China at Rasuwagadhi.

Horrifying visuals from Nepal’s Rasuwa district, a wall of mud and water swallowing homes, bridges and lives near the Tibet border.

Hundreds missing.

China’s mindless mining and dam-building in Tibet have long been destroying this fragile Himalayan region shared with Nepal.… pic.twitter.com/utx0n4B3q1

— Abhigyan (@SriAbhigyan) August 26, 2026

On Wednesday, it was reported that at least 133 Indians and 37 NRIs were among nearly 500 people missing. At least 50 of the Indians were pilgrims for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu issued emergency numbers on Wednesday for assistance and information related to Indian nationals affected by the flash floods. In a post on X, it said people can contact +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500.

The Embassy of India has remained engaged with the relevant authorities of the Government of Nepal for early rescue and relief for Indian nationals affected by the flash floods that took place in Nepal, it said in another post on X, adding that rescue and relief efforts continue to be strengthened in coordination with the Nepal government.

The Nepal Tourism Board also issued similar numbers, including the toll-free emergency number 1234, the hotline 1144 and the Tourist Police number 9851289445 for help.

In Beijing, the Embassy of India also issued a helpline number, 0086 185 1428 4905, which can be contacted via WhatsApp.

As many as 53 Keralites, including children, are estimated to be stranded in Nepal following the devastating floods, NORKA Roots said on Thursday.

NORKA Roots is the Keralam government agency that coordinates overseas affairs and welfare services for non-resident Keralites.

Addressing a press conference, NORKA Roots CEO Rajesh Madhavan said 17 sets of information regarding stranded Keralites had been received through the Chief Minister’s Office and the Chief Secretary’s Office and collated by around 3 am on Thursday.

The impact of the floods was also being monitored in Bihar, where the water level of the swollen Gandak River was showing a receding trend on Thursday after the flash floods in Nepal a day ago, bringing respite to residents of low-lying areas in northern parts of the state, an official said.

The discharge from the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar in West Champaran, the northernmost district of Bihar that shares a border with the neighbouring country, also declined with the receding water level in the river system, he said.

Devastating Visuals from Flood in Nepal😳 pic.twitter.com/l3kagu6GAS

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) August 26, 2026

Bihar was put on high alert on Wednesday as floodwaters from Nepal entered the Gandak River and reached the barrage, prompting authorities to open all 36 gates to control the surge.

The water discharge from the Valmikinagar barrage declined from 1.50 lakh cusecs at 11 pm on Wednesday to 1.04 lakh cusecs on Thursday morning.

“The water discharge from the Gandak barrage at Valmikinagar peaked at 1.50 lakh cusecs at 11 pm on Wednesday, after which the water level began receding,” the Water Resources Department said in a statement on Thursday.

A receding trend in the Gandak River was noticed, an official said.

“But due to rainfall in Nepal’s Devghat area late at night, the water level started rising again,” he said.

No adverse impact on the embankments has been reported so far, while the Water Resources Department is continuously monitoring the situation and remains on alert, the official said.

The Ganga River’s water level is also showing a declining trend, though a marginal rise of 1-2 cm may be recorded at some locations, another official said.

A massive flash flood hit the 🇳🇵Nepal-Tibet border, damaging roads and bridges. 🚨

– Tragically, 8 people died, while 384 travelers including 105 Indian tourists—are missing. Intense rescue operations are underway. pic.twitter.com/HTMKbdpKYi

— Info Room (@InfoR00M) August 26, 2026

“The department is closely monitoring the situation and has kept all necessary flood-protection measures in place,” he said.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary held a meeting with Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and other top officials on Wednesday to review the situation.

All concerned have been directed to remain on high alert, take all necessary measures promptly and maintain continuous vigil over the situation, the official said.

“The highest discharge from the barrage recorded this year was 2.24 lakh cusecs on July 14, 2026, while 5.625 lakh cusecs of water discharge was recorded on September 28, 2024. Therefore, the situation is expected to remain normal,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)