A Dutch national has been reported missing after severe flooding left on the border between Nepal and Tibet at least 31 people dead and nearly 400 unaccounted for.
The Nepalese tourism authority said a total of 384 visitors were missing in the region, including 291 foreigners. More than 90 people were injured when flash floods engulfed whole villages along the Bhote Khoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers.
The Dutch tourist was one of two non-Nepalis, along with an Australian, in a party of 17 travelling with a Kathmandu-based tour operator. Around one-quarter of those unaccounted for are from India.
Nepal’s foreign minister said the floods were triggered by a combination of an earthquake in Tibet and high water in the Bhote Khoshi river, which had been swelled by melting snow.
Bhotekoshi Flash Flood
SITUATION UPDATE -2
Date: August 26, 2026Preliminary Details of Missing Tourists pic.twitter.com/gxWJfVfKuX
— Nepal Tourism Board (@nepaltourismb) August 26, 2026
The earthquake, measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale, caused an avalanche and a heavy mudslide that poured into the river.
Surveillance footage from the Gyirong County border crossing showed buildings around the checkpoint being submerged by mud and water. Around 4,000 people live in the region, which is a trading hub and a popular base for hikers.
Chinese president Xi Jinping has ordered search and rescue workers to conduct “all-out” efforts to find the missing visitors after state media outlet CCTV reported “major casualties” in the region.
The Dutch foreign affairs ministry said it was monitoring the situation closely. “We are ready to offer consular help if it is necessary,” a spokesman said.
Dutch citizens in the area have been urged to contact their friends and family or call the government’s emergency number on +31 247 247 247.
