Nepal Floods: 538 Dead, 1,500 Missing as New Wave Threatens Rescuers

Rescue teams in Nepal and China's Tibet Autonomous Region are racing to find survivors following a devastating flash flood that has claimed at least 538 lives. On Friday, August 28, authorities briefly halted search operations after detecting water overflow from a glacial lake that formed in Tibet following the initial glacier collapse — raising fears of a second destructive wave.

New Flood Warning Issued Then Downgraded

The Chinese water ministry initially described the risk of further flooding as "high" after water from the lake spilled across the border area. Nepal's police urgently called on rescue crews and residents to immediately seek higher ground. However, hours later Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported a cautious downgrading: the lake was draining naturally, with outflow exceeding inflow and risks gradually diminishing. Rescue operations resumed in an "orderly" fashion, CCTV said. The lake sits at roughly 2,950 meters altitude, about 1,000 meters above the Gyirong border crossing between Nepal and China.

Scale of the Disaster

According to Nepal's disaster management authorities, the death toll stands at 538. Chinese state media have confirmed five deaths on the Tibetan side. Combined, both countries report more than 1,500 people still missing. Among the missing are large numbers of foreign tourists and religious pilgrims — Nepal's tourism authority estimates over 500 missing foreigners. They were likely en route to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a sacred site revered by Hindus and Buddhists. A German family of four was rescued by the army and airlifted to a camp at Battar Bazar.

Helicopter Evacuations and Tunnel Rescue

Nepali authorities airlifted 3,253 people out of affected areas by helicopter. On the Chinese side, CCTV reported 499 residents and 555 tourists were moved to safety. Near the Nepal-China border, the Nepali army worked to rescue around 100 workers trapped inside a tunnel at the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project, with mud and debris blocking access to the entrance.

How the Disaster Unfolded

The flash flood tore through nearly 170 kilometers of Nepal along two river valleys on Wednesday, sweeping away buildings, bridges, vehicles, and entire villages. Scientists analyzing satellite imagery concluded that bedrock beneath a Himalayan glacier collapsed, triggering the catastrophe. Drones, thermal cameras, and 3D terrain models were deployed to aid the search for survivors in difficult terrain.