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Nepal flash floods 2026: what's happening in Nepal and how the Red Cross is responding

Thousands of people are missing after devastating flash floods hit the Nepal and Xizang/Tibet area. Find out how the Red Cross is responding.

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A Nepal Red Cross volunteers looks at flooding with mud and debris filling a valley.

Last updated: 8 September 2026

What's happening in Nepal? 

On 26 August 2026, a major flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district. Over a thousand people are reported to have died and thousands more are missing, including people from the UK. Homes, livelihoods, infrastructure and public services were damaged or destroyed within hours. Surrounding communities have also faced destruction and, downstream, more remain on high alert. 

Where are the floods in Nepal?

The flood has impacted Nepal’s Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts and has caused widespread damage to communities including Timure, Rasuwagadhi and Syabrubesi, as well as parts of the Xizang/Tibet area. 

A map shows the area affected by flash floods in Nepal in August 2026.

What is the latest news from Nepal?

  • Thousands of people are missing and reports indicate that more than 1,000 have died. 
  • More than 3,900 people are reported missing in Nepal, including more than 500 foreign nationals. 
  • The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) estimates that up to 93,000 people may have been affected by the floods.  
  • Authorities in Nepal say that 11,800 people have been rescued so far.
  • Nepali officials report that 19 bridges have been damaged or destroyed.  
  • The IFRC reports that more than 40km of roads have been damaged.
  • Homes, livelihoods, infrastructure and public services have been damaged or destroyed within hours. 
  • Responders are working to reach affected areas. 
  • Travel restrictions are in place and residents near riverbanks have been urged to move to safer locations.  
  • Government authorities, emergency services, medical teams and the Nepal Red Cross Society are supporting ongoing search, rescue and response efforts.

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What caused the Nepal flash flood?

The exact cause of the Nepal flooding is still being determined, but chilling footage shows a sudden surge of water entering the Bhote Koshi River from the Xizang/Tibet area. It is currently believed that a glacier collapse near the Langtang Lirung peak may have been the cause.

The collapse sent a huge volume of ice, rock and mud to enter a tributary of the Bhote Koshi river, generating a river surge, which became the wall of water and debris that caused the widespread devastation. 

At the moment, the priority is supporting people and communities affected by this disaster. Understanding the circumstances that led to this disaster may take some time. However, Nepal is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change which is why the British Red Cross has a support programme to help communities prepare, adapt and build their resilience in the face of climate threats.

Is there a risk of further flooding in Nepal?

A barrier lake which formed after the initial landslide overflowed on the morning of 28 August, leading to a pause in rescue operations in the Xizang/Tibet area. 

Authorities in Nepal have also warned of the risk of further flooding and have been evacuating people to higher ground. The Nepal Red Cross Society is carefully monitoring the situation to assess risks to communities and to volunteers responding to this emergency. 

What is a flash flood and why is it dangerous?

A flash flood is a sudden, intense flood which can be extremely dangerous. It can also happen when a large amount of rain falls in a short period of time. 

According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, a flash flood begins within six hours, and often within three hours, of a heavy rainfall. 

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A house swept away by mud and debris in the flash flood in Nepal.

A house swept away by the floods. (Credit: Nepal Red Cross Society.)

What is the Red Cross doing after the Nepal flash floods? 

The Nepal Red Cross Society is Nepal's largest humanitarian organisation, with branches in all 77 districts and a nationwide network of more than 89,000 volunteers.

As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, NRCS supports communities affected by disasters, health emergencies and other crises through emergency response, health services, blood programmes and community resilience initiatives across the country. 

They responded immediately when the disaster struck, deploying teams to affected areas to support search and rescue efforts and distribute emergency supplies, including drinking water, blankets, and first aid supplies. 

The society is mobilising additional emergency response teams and volunteers to support people affected by the floods. Restoring Family Links volunteers are also helping people who have lost contact with loved ones. 

“Our teams are working on the ground together with the Nepal Red Cross and we are providing all possible support to the Nepal Red Cross," says Rajesh Srivastasa, the British Red Cross's head of region for southeast Asia. "Many volunteers who have lost their families and nearest and dearest are still working there and supporting the people impacted by the disaster.”

So far, the Nepal Red Cross Society has: 

  • Set up five emergency camps, providing essential support and shelter for people who have lost or been displaced from their homes.
  • Activated emergency response teams in affected areas.
  • Provided emergency supplies, such as tarpaulins, blankets, rope, first aid kits, fresh food and water. 
  • Supported people who have lost contact with loved ones, including providing a generator in Rasuwa, for public use.



Nepal Red Cross Society volunteers distributing water.

Nepal Red Cross Society volunteers distributing water. (Credit: Nepal Red Cross Society.)

“The priority now is to reach affected communities and get assistance to people who have lost their homes, suffered injuries or have been cut off,” said the International Federation of the Red Cross's head of delegation for Nepal, David Fisher.

“The release of emergency funding means the Nepal Red Cross can act immediately while assessments continue. We are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to provide additional support if needs increase. We will not forget support for their long-term recovery either, since entire villages and market areas have been wiped out”.

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How is the British Red Cross responding? 

The British Red Cross is part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, working with teams on the ground in Nepal to support people affected by the floods.  

We work closely with the Nepal Red Cross Society, which has activated its emergency response and is providing urgent humanitarian assistance. As an established organisation, we can ensure aid reaches people in need as quickly and effectively as possible.

How to help people in Nepal

The Red Cross responds to emergencies like the Nepal flash flood every day. You can support this work by donating now.

The Disaster Fund supports people affected by disasters and emergencies around the world. Last year alone, generous donations to the fund helped us reach more than 513,000 people around the world. 

Right now, as well as supporting people affected in Nepal, the Disaster Fund is also supporting people in Sudan and the Middle East and last year helped those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa and the Myanmar earthquake.

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Mud and debris on a residential street following flash floods in Nepal in August 2026.

Homes have been destroyed across Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. (Credit: Nepal Red Cross Society.)

Advice if you are concerned about UK citizens in Nepal

The UK government has released contact details of a hotline that has been established for concerned citizens. 

If you are affected and need assistance from the UK government, call:

  • from Nepal +977 (0)14237100
  • from the UK +44 (0) 207 008 5000.

Contacting missing loved ones in Nepal

Families living in Nepal are advised to contact: 

  • Nearest NRCS district chapters/branches
  • NRCS hotline: 1130

Families of foreign nationals are advised to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has set up an emergency control room: 


We have more advice on what to do if you have lost contact with relatives in Nepal.

Where is Nepal?

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is in the Himalayas mountain range and shares a border with India and China.

Is it safe to travel to Nepal? 

The UK government tells people travelling to Nepal to exercise caution, be alert to the changing situation, and to follow the advice of the Nepali government.

Impact on infrastructure

Infrastructure including buildings, bridges and roads have been badly damaged due to the 26 August flood. It also damaged 12 hydropower plants in the Trishuli river basin, wiping out 10% of Nepal's power generation capacity. 

Red Cross support in Nepal

The Nepal Red Cross is Nepal's largest humanitarian organisation, with branches in all 77 districts and a nationwide network of more than 89,000 volunteers.

Even before the flash flood, the Red Cross has been supporting communities by improving the conservation of endangered species, protecting the environment and building community resilience to climate change. 

The Red Cross has also addressed health inequalities, focusing on reproductive health, sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene.

Find out more about the Red Cross work in Nepal. 

Your support will help us reach people in Nepal and around the world during emergencies.

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