Kathmandu: On August 26th Nepal experienced flash floods and earthquakes in the northern region of the country affecting thousands of households . The catastrophe erupted at 9 in the morning with no significant signs or anticipation , killing over 165 people busy in their routine work and silently sweeping away an entire village.
The cause of the flash floods is not traceable and remains latent while the Meteorology authorities and experts estimate after analyzing the satellite images that an avalanche in the Tibetan region which was triggered by an earthquake worsened the situation . The river which flew over districts , Rasuwa , Dhading, Nuwakot and Chitwan carried mud , soil along with debris disturbing the current of the river. The Bhotekoshi River and other tributaries of Saptakoshi river carried the flood downstream and destroyed many landmarks and homes of people.
The road transport has been eliminated between the Valley of Kathmandu and Dhading , Dhading and Nuwakot and Rasuwa while the rescue action is carried on via helicopters and the Nepal Government has allowed people with drones to operate without permission for the rescue. The major highways of Nepal including the Prithvi Highway and B.P. Highway has been affected with a heavy traffic and vehicles enrouting the affected areas for day to day business and the connection with the Capital had been cut off.
Over 165 casualties have been recorded with almost 644 missing. The river has carried away carcasses along the Narayani River along with the remains of the houses , trees and gas cylinders. The people travelling to Kailash and Mansarovar Lake via the Rasuwa’s Tatopani route have been missing with no contact till now.
The missing people include Buddhisagar Neupane, Khinmaya Neupane , Pradip Bista, Suresh Amatya, International tourists – Hema Patel and many lost from Timure, Bhotekoshi, villages of Nuwakot and the Nepal – Tibet Border.
The Chinese Custom and Nepali Custom Office, Bridge of Malekhu, Trishuli Khola and Bhotekoshi has been destroyed and the entire village of Betrawati – holding historical importance for Nepal has been gulped by debris and mud leaving no homes.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 27th, 2026
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