A devastating flash flood struck Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, leaving at least 16 dead and 384 people missing. The surge originated from the Bhotekoshi river near the Tibet border, wiping out massive sections of the Timure and Syabrubesi settlements.
The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu immediately issued an urgent travel advisory for all citizens currently trekking or staying in the region. You must stay away from riverbanks in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan, and Tanahun until further notice.
Who Is Missing in the Rasuwa Floods?
The fast-moving water completely destroyed the Chilime Hydropower Project and swept away several major bridges. Because the flood hit a highly popular trekking route at 8:30 a.m., hundreds of foreign tourists are currently unaccounted for.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the missing persons list breaks down as follows:
| Group | Number Missing |
| Foreign Nationals | 291 (including 3+ Americans and 105 Indians) |
| Nepali Citizens | 93 |
| Total Unaccounted For | 384 |
I always advise travelers trekking near the Tibet border to carry a satellite phone for this exact reason. Mobile networks in Rasuwa are currently completely down, making it impossible for stranded tourists to call their families.
Also read – India Ends Boarding Pass Stamping at Immigration
Emergency Contact Steps for U.S. Citizens
If you are trapped in an affected area, you must move to higher ground immediately. Do not wait for local police to knock on your door. Once you are safe, you need to contact the embassy so they can account for your survival.
Send an email to KathmanduACS@state.gov right now. You must include your full legal name, your exact current GPS location, your physical status, and the name of your trekking company.
If you require urgent, life-saving rescue, call the U.S. Embassy directly at +977-1-423-4000. Consular staff are operating the emergency lines around the clock to organize evacuation efforts.
Downstream Flood Threats Moving into India
This disaster does not stop at the Nepali border. The massive volume of water surging down the Trishuli river is currently heading south.
Authorities in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh just placed their border districts on high alert. Officials expect the Gandak and Narayani rivers to swell drastically within the next 24 hours. Do not attempt to travel south across the border into Maharajganj or Kushinagar today. The roads will likely wash out before you arrive.
How to Replace a Lost Passport After a Flood
Losing your passport to a rushing river is terrifying, but you can fix it. The embassy handles this specific crisis frequently during the monsoon season.
Follow these exact steps to secure emergency travel documents so you can fly home:
- Find a safe shelter. Never risk your life to chase a floating backpack. Your physical safety matters more than paper documents.
- Call the embassy emergency line. Dial the +977-1-423-4000 number using a borrowed phone. Tell the operator you lost your passport in the flood and need an emergency replacement for an immediate evacuation.
- Provide digital proof. Log into your email and find the backup photos of your passport data page. Showing the consular officer a digital copy speeds up the verification process, allowing them to print a temporary, limited-validity passport much faster.
Make sure you officially register your trip on the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) today. This free government database is the only way search and rescu
