1 min readNew DelhiAug 28, 2026 10:29 AM ISTResidents look at the devastation left by flash flooding in Nepal's Nuwakot district. (AP Photo)For those who were caught in the flood, there was barely any time to run. A sudden rush of water, mud, rocks and debris tore through villages, roads and the border along the Nepal-China frontier, sweeping away residents, trekkers and pilgrims. With each passing day, the death toll is rising. Nepal confirmed on Friday morning that the death toll has reached 469, reported news agency PTI. China has separately reported at least 100 of its nationals out of contact, according to news agency PTI. Nearly 1,500 people are still missing.Here is what we know so far about the disaster:01How the deadly flash flood hit NepalThe flood came in suddenly and tore through areas along the Nepal-China border on Wednesday after a surge of water, rock, ice and mud swept through Himalayan river systems. The worst-hit areas in Nepal included Timure and Syaphrubesi in Rasuwa district, along the Bhotekoshi River. The torrent destroyed buildings, roads and bridges before rushing downstream into the Trishuli river system.On the Chinese side, the Gyirong border crossing was also hit by enormous torrents of muddy water and debris. Videos from the area showed water rapidly engulfing structures and sweeping through the border complex.02Current death toll and missing reportsNepal's confirmed death toll stood at 469, as per PTI's latest report, with bodies recovered from several districts. At least 517 foreign nationals remain missing, including 178 Indians, 65 Americans, 53 Ukrainians, 51 Malaysians, 33 Britons, 35 Australians and 25 Canadians, according to The Kathmandu Post. China has separately reported at least 100 of its nationals out of contact.The toll is expected to rise as relief and rescue teams scour through the debris.03Another flood warningAuthorities confirmed a fresh danger from a large barrier lake formed by debris blocking the Bhotekoshi River. Nepal's disaster management authorities have warned that the lake is rising and could breach. Chinese authorities estimated the lake contained about 2 million cubic metres of water as of Thursday.Another 3 million cubic metres could enter it over the next three days, raising concerns that the barrier could fail and send a sudden surge downstream. The authorities are monitoring the lake to assess possible breach so far.04Where exactly has the lake formed?The barrier lake has formed near the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo river in Nepal.Both rivers are from Tibet and merge before entering Nepal, where the river becomes known as the Bhotekoshi. As per reports, a breach could affect more communities and infrastructures there further downstream along the river system.05Balen Shah government's effortsNepal has deployed helicopters and emergency teams to search for the missing, evacuate survivors and deliver supplies to isolated communities.Authorities have restricted movement along vulnerable highways and moved residents away from areas at risk of further flooding.Prime Minister Balendra Shah visited the affected areas and said government agencies were operating at full capacity, with the immediate priorities being saving lives, locating missing people, treating the injured and providing relief to affected families.06What help is coming from other countries?Countries whose nationals are among the missing have begun offering assistance and deploying rescue teams. India, Australia and South Korea are among those sending aid and personnel. The United States has also offered support. The international response is likely to intensify as authorities are trying to find out the whereabouts of hundreds of foreign nationals who are still missing.But according to Kathmandu Post reports, Nepal has turned down offers of foreign search-and-rescue teams from the countries who have offered help, saying its own security agencies are capable of handling the operation.07Why are rescuers struggling?Mud, boulders and debris have buried roads and blocked access to some of the worst-hit settlements. Helicopters are being used to search for survivors and deliver emergency supplies to communities cut off by the floods.Rescue workers, including teams with sniffer dogs, have also been searching downstream for people swept away by the torrent. Chinese rescuers had yet to reach the worst-hit section around the Gyirong border crossing as access roads remained blocked by debris, according to Reuters' reports.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdThe Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. 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