District Rasuwa
FLASH FLOOD 2026

The district of Rasuwa lies in northern Nepal, on the border with Tibet, nestled in the spectacular yet remote mountain landscape of the Himalayas. The region is known as the gateway to Langtang National Park, one of Nepal’s most important trekking destinations. Snow-capped peaks, glaciers and high-altitude mountain lakes shape the landscape. At around 4,000 metres above sea level lie the sacred Gosainkunda Lakes, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Rasuwa is also crossed by a major pilgrimage route leading to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which attracts many pilgrims, particularly during the summer months.

On the morning of 26 August 2026, the region suddenly became known to an international audience for a devastating reason: a flash flood of unprecedented proportions swept through communities along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers, destroying the homes of thousands of people and claiming countless lives. Like something out of a dystopian horror film, water and debris suddenly surged into a wall up to 80 metres high, travelling at speeds of up to 180 km/h and destroying everything in their path: homes, bridges, hydropower plants, entire villages – and, tragically, far too many people.

The disaster was most likely triggered by a massive glacier collapse, which blocked and dammed a river until the natural barrier eventually gave way. Within a very short period of time, an enormous volume of water was released downstream. Unlike the more or less predictable monsoon floods that occur during the summer, there was virtually no warning for local residents. Only a few people managed to escape to higher ground.

The full scale of the disaster is still impossible to determine, as communication with the affected areas remains largely cut off. Electricity, internet and mobile networks have been severely disrupted, roads have been destroyed, and many communities can only be reached by air. Even helicopters are struggling to land because of the mud and debris. Current reports indicate nearly 500 confirmed deaths and more than 1,400 people missing, but the actual number of people affected is likely to be much higher. Across Nepal, thousands of people are desperately waiting for news from their loved ones.

Unfortunately, the threat of another flash flood remains acute in the coming days. A new lake has formed near the Nepal–Tibet border and is at risk of breaching at any time, potentially sending another devastating wave of water down into the valley. Rescue teams have therefore temporarily suspended their operations.

As always in the wake of a disaster, we are doing everything we can to provide people on the ground with essential supplies as quickly as possible. Our colleagues in Kathmandu immediately began procuring urgently needed relief supplies and are ready to organise the first transport to Nuwakot and the surrounding villages. The areas further away will likely have to be reached by helicopter. Our first priority is to help people get through the harsh winter safely and with dignity. Afterwards, we hope to contribute to the reconstruction and rebuilding of the affected communities.