A dramatic video captured the chaotic scene in Gyirong, Tibet, near the Nepal border, showing people sprinting away as a massive mudslide engulfed multiple buildings shortly after a 4.4‑magnitude earthquake struck the region.
The tremor, recorded just seven minutes before the flood, triggered an ice‑rock avalanche that surged into the Lhende Khola River, causing flash flooding and the devastating mudslide. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal told parliament that the earthquake likely initiated the chain of events.
At least 95 people have been confirmed dead, and rescue teams have recovered those bodies. Additionally, Nepal’s tourism authority reports that 484 tourists are missing, including at least three U.S. citizens, with unconfirmed accounts suggesting dozens more Americans may also be unaccounted for. Sixty‑five injured are being treated in hospitals around Kathmandu.
Authorities warn that a second flood is possible as a blockage remains lodged on the Lhende Khola River, heightening the risk of further devastation.
A combination of satellite images shows Manakamana on August 23, 2026, before a flash flood (top) and on August 26, 2026, following a flash flood (bottom) that affected the area, Nepal. (2026 PLANET LABS PBC/Handout via REUTERS)
China deployed 574 rescuers to Tibet’s Gyirong land crossing, though one rescuer told CCTV that it would take hours to reach the deluged site. India’s government and the European Union have publicly offered support to Nepal and China.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, “Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal. The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time. India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts.”
Shah responded on X, calling Modi’s gesture “a reflection of the enduring bonds of friendship between our two countries, which we profoundly value.”
A survivor is transported to a safer place in a JCB following a flash flood at Trishuli in Nuwakot district, Nepal, August 26, 2026. (REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also wrote on X, “Devastating floods have struck communities in Nepal and China. My thoughts are with all those affected, especially the families who have lost loved ones or are still waiting for news… Copernicus has been activated to help map the affected areas in Nepal and support the response on the ground. We stand ready to mobilise further European assistance.”
Damaged houses following a flash flood at Trishuli in Nuwakot district, Nepal, August 26, 2026. (REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar)
The U.S. State Department said it was monitoring the situation closely and communicating with Nepalese authorities. “The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans,” a spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “The State Department is aware of Americans impacted by the floods in Nepal and is closely tracking the situation. The Embassy is working closely with local tour agencies and local authorities to assist Americans in the affected areas. We extend our deepest condolences for the victims and to the families of all those affected,” the statement continued.
“We strongly encourage U.S. citizens in the affected areas to monitor local news, follow the emergency instructions provided by local authorities, and enroll in STEP.state.gov to receive important emergency information,” the spokesperson added.
Fox News Digital also contacted Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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