Nepal-China Floods: Death Toll Nears 600, Over 2,400 Missing; Barrier Lake Threat Remains

Last Updated:August 29, 2026, 04:56 IST

Nepal’s disaster authorities said 579 people had died across eight districts, while seven deaths were reported in Tibet.

Relatives check the lists of missing people following flash floods in Nepal, outside a hospital in Kathmandu on August 28. (AFP photo)

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal and China has climbed to 586 on Friday, while more than 2,400 people remain missing as rescue teams race to reach affected areas amid the threat of further flooding from unstable barrier lakes.

Nepal’s disaster authorities said 579 people had died across eight districts, while seven deaths were reported in Tibet. The number of people missing in Nepal nearly doubled to 1,924 from 977, while 554 remain unaccounted for in Tibet’s Gyirong County.

At least 540 of those missing are foreigners, many of them Hindu pilgrims travelling towards Mount Kailash.

Rescue Efforts Intensify, Fresh Flood Threat

The disaster was triggered by a glacier collapse that sent a huge surge of ice, rock, mud and debris through Himalayan river systems, according to the US Geological Survey.

Rescue operations were briefly disrupted on Friday after a lake formed by the debris began overflowing towards the Lhende Khola and Trishuli rivers. Nepali police warned rescuers to immediately move to safer locations after receiving information that a water dam had burst on the Tibetan side.

Operations resumed after the immediate threat eased. China had also temporarily suspended rescue work in Gyirong before state broadcaster CCTV said the situation had stabilised.

Nepal is continuing to monitor two barrier lakes upstream, with officials warning that the flood risk will remain until they drain. Satellite imagery showed one lake growing without a visible outlet, raising concerns over rising water pressure.

Chinese experts have also warned that more than 100 glacial lakes in the region could pose risks.

Indian Nationals Missing

On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs said 84 Indian nationals have been rescued so far, including 21 Tamil Nadu residents who returned to India and 63 workers from the Trishuli-I hydropower project.

Another 149 Indians crossed safely into Nepal from China, while around 400 remain safe on the Chinese side and are being assisted by the Indian Embassy with evacuation.

However, around 320 Indian nationals remain missing or uncontactable because of widespread telecommunications disruptions.

The disaster has also left large numbers of hydropower workers, trekkers and pilgrims unaccounted for. Nepal’s disaster authority added 933 hydropower workers to its missing persons list.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for stronger monitoring of glacial lakes and landslide risks, while Beijing has offered support for Nepal’s emergency response.

(With inputs from agencies)

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What support is India providing for its missing nationals?

India is providing support for its missing nationals in Nepal by mobilising the Indian Air Force (IAF) for rescue and evacuation efforts, preparing to send specialised tunnel rescue and medical teams, and dispatching humanitarian aid and essential medicines. The Indian embassy in Nepal has also issued emergency helpline numbers for those seeking assistance.

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