Nepal flash flooding

On 26 August 2026, significant flash flooding events have impacted Rasuwa district and the Nepal-China border area, where many tourists are on pilgrimage to Mt Kailash at this time of year, especially south Asian tourists.

The Bhote koshi river flooded around 9am Wednesday 26 August, local time, destroying several villages, roads and hydropower projects. Hundreds of people are believed to be missing in Nepal including foreign nationals.

Advice for New Zealanders in Nepal

• Contact your family and travel company to confirm your safety. 
• Register your travel plans on SafeTravel and keep this updated as your plans change.
• Move away from riverbanks and low-lying areas and seek higher ground immediately. 
• Follow evacuation and safety instructions from Nepali authorities. 
• Avoid travel on the Prithvi Highway, the Galchhi–Nuwakot–Rasuwa–Syafrubesi road, and the Mugling–Narayangadh road until authorities remove restrictions. 
• Do not travel into flood-affected areas. 
• Monitor local news and official government alerts and only rely on verified information to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports.
• If you are in Rasuwagadhi, Timure, Syafrubesi, Langtang, or another affected area, contact the 24/7 Consular Emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20