Dramatic video recorded after flash flooding along the Nepal-China border shows mudslides swallowing several buildings as residents ran for safety in Gyirong, Tibet, near China’s frontier with Nepal.
The landslides struck shortly after a magnitude 4.4 earthquake in the area. The quake occurred just seven minutes before footage showed people sprinting away from the unfolding disaster, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ).
Nepal’s foreign minister, Shishir Khanal, also told the country’s parliament that seismic activity may have triggered the deadly flooding and mudslides, Reuters reported.
Officials believe the earthquake set off an ice-rock avalanche that crashed into Nepal’s Lhende Khola River, according to Reuters.
A combination of satellite images shows Manakamana on Aug. 23, 2026, before a flash flood (top), and on Aug. 26, 2026, after a flash flood (bottom) affected the area in Nepal. (2026 Planet Labs PBC/Handout via Reuters)
Rescue teams in Nepal have recovered at least 95 bodies, bringing the confirmed death toll from the disaster to at least 95.
Nepal’s tourism authority said at least 484 tourists have been reported missing, including at least three U.S. citizens.
Some reports suggest several dozen more Americans may be unaccounted for, though the U.S. government had not immediately released an official number of missing American citizens.
The U.S. State Department said it was monitoring the situation closely and communicating with authorities in Nepal.
“The Trump administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans,” a State Department spokesperson told News Outlet in a statement.
“The State Department is aware of Americans impacted by the floods in Nepal and is closely tracking the situation. The embassy is working closely with local tour agencies and local authorities to assist Americans in the affected areas. We extend our deepest condolences for the victims and to the families of all those affected.
“We strongly encourage U.S. citizens in the affected areas to monitor local news, follow the emergency instructions provided by local authorities, and enroll in STEP.state.gov to receive important emergency information,” the spokesperson added.
A drone view shows mud covering properties after a flash flood at Trishuli in Nuwakot district, Nepal, Aug. 26, 2026. (Reuters/Stringer)
The State Department’s office of Consular Affairs also relayed travel advisories for specific areas within Nepal.
“The flood destroyed buildings and damaged roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure, and communications. Nepali authorities ordered people living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas to move to safer locations,” the department posted on X.
“Avoid travel on the Prithvi Highway, the Galchhi–Nuwakot–Rasuwa–Syafrubesi road, and the Mugling–Narayangadh road until authorities lift restrictions. If you are in Rasuwagadhi, Timure, Syafrubesi, Langtang, or another affected area, contact the U.S. Embassy when safe to do so and provide your name, location, and status,” the advisory said.
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Sixty-five people are being treated at hospitals in and around Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu, according to local officials.
Authorities also warned a second flood is possible since there is still a blockage on the Lhende Khola River.
A survivor is transported to a safer place in a JCB following a flash flood at Trishuli in Nuwakot district, Nepal, Aug. 26, 2026. (Reuters/Navesh Chitrakar)
China deployed 574 rescuers to Tibet’s Gyirong land crossing, though one rescuer told CCTV it would take hours to reach the deluged site, Reuters reported.
India’s government and the European Union (EU) have publicly offered support to Nepal and China.
“Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal. The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time. India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in a post on X.
Shah responded on X, calling Modi’s gesture “a reflection of the enduring bonds of friendship between our two countries, which we profoundly value.”
Damaged houses after a flash flood at Trishuli in Nuwakot district, Nepal, Aug. 26, 2026. (Reuters/Navesh Chitrakar)
“Devastating floods have struck communities in Nepal and China. My thoughts are with all those affected, especially the families who have lost loved ones or are still waiting for news… Copernicus has been activated to help map the affected areas in Nepal and support the response on the ground. We stand ready to mobilise further European assistance,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also wrote on X, offering up the use of Copernicus, the EU’s Earth monitoring satellite program.
News Outlet also contacted Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.
