Thirty-three people from the United Kingdom are among hundreds feared missing following a devastating flash flood that struck the Rasuwa region near the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday morning, according to Nepal's Tourism Board. The disaster has claimed at least 95 lives in Nepal and three in Tibet, with rescue operations continuing as authorities work to establish the full scale of casualties and damage.
The flooding and associated mudslides buried homes and vehicles across the Nuwakot district, with people from 26 different countries among those unaccounted for. In total, 403 individuals are missing, comprising 61 Nepali nationals and 341 foreign nationals, the tourism board confirmed.
The UK Foreign Office stated it is coordinating with Nepalese authorities in response to
concerning reports of British nationals who are missingand has advised British citizens in the country to adhere to local guidance and
remain alert to the changing situation.
Which British nationals are unaccounted for?
Alpine Eco Trek, an expedition company operating guided tours throughout Nepal, reported that 12 British nationals and two Irish nationals participating in one of its excursions across the Nepal-Tibet border are believed to be missing. Manager Kumar Adhikari stated there was
not much info to share at the moment, but yes we have 12 British citizens (supposed) to make entry this morning. Travel records maintained by the company indicate the missing British participants range in age from 13 to 65 years old.
What triggered the flood?
Initial assessments suggest the deluge originated from the Tibet side and was caused by an earthquake triggering an avalanche, with melted snow flowing into the Bhote Koshi river. However, authorities are investigating additional potential causes. According to reporting from border analysis sources, officials were examining the possibility of a glacial lake outburst flood in Tibet as the trigger. Nepal's Flood Forecasting Division also suggested that a landslide may have blocked a river in Tibet before the swollen river burst through. Notably, Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology stated that local rainfall was light and unlikely to explain the flood surge, pointing to sources originating upstream in Tibet.
How did the flood spread?
The surge entered from the Tibetan side and had progressed to the Galchhi area of Dhading by Wednesday afternoon. Dramatic security camera footage captured a wall of water and mud striking buildings near a border crossing, while video recorded from inside a bus in Trishuli showed dozens of people attempting to escape a flood wave advancing through the valley. The deluge caused significant damage to infrastructure, with roads, bridges and power projects destroyed in the Himalayan border areas. Authorities reported that markets and hydropower installations in the Timure and Syabrubesi areas sustained substantial damage.
What is the current rescue status?
Nepal's armed forces had rescued at least 25 people by Wednesday afternoon, with rescue operations expected to continue through the night. Nine Armed Police Force personnel stationed at Timure near the Nepal-China border were reported missing. The Gyirong–Rasuwagadhi land border crossing has been closed until further notice following the disaster.
Chinese state media outlet CCTV reported that a mudslide in Tibet's Gyirong killed three people and left 265 missing, with rescue efforts underway on the Chinese side of the border.
What international response has been coordinated?
In a joint statement, the UK embassy in Nepal, alongside representatives from Australia, the European Union, Finland, France, Norway and Switzerland, called on British nationals in Nepal to
exercise caution in affected areas. The coordinated diplomatic response reflects the multinational nature of those affected by the disaster.
Key Facts
- 33 UK nationals are among 403 people missing across 26 countries following the Wednesday morning flash flood in Rasuwa
- At least 95 deaths confirmed in Nepal and three in Tibet, with the full casualty toll still being established
- Alpine Eco Trek reported 12 British and two Irish nationals on a border excursion are missing, ranging in age from 13 to 65
- The flood originated from Tibet and was likely triggered by a glacial lake outburst or a landslide-blocked river, not local rainfall
- Nepal's border crossing with Tibet has been closed and rescue operations are continuing overnight
