UPDATE: Nepal Flash Flood Leaves At Least 389 Dead, 668 Tourists Missing As Teams Assess Impact On Animals & Wildlife
UPDATE: August 27, 2026
A catastrophic flash flood has devastated parts of northern Nepal near the Tibet border, leaving at least 389 people dead and hundreds more unaccounted for as search-and-rescue operations continue.
According to the latest figures from Nepal’s Department of Tourism, 668 tourists and travelers remain unaccounted for, including 541 foreign nationals and 127 Nepali nationals.
A total of 336 people have been airlifted to safety from flood-affected areas in Rasuwa as emergency personnel and military teams continue working to reach survivors and affected communities.
The flooding caused extensive destruction along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems. According to Nepal’s Department of Roads, at least 40 kilometers of roads have been swept away in Nuwakot and Rasuwa, while 32 concrete bridges have been completely destroyed, severely disrupting access to affected areas.
Authorities are continuing to investigate what triggered the disaster. Preliminary assessments indicate that a large mass of ice, rock, and debris may have blocked the Lhende River before releasing a powerful surge of water and debris downstream into the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems.
The full extent of the impact on animals and wildlife is still being assessed as animal welfare organizations prepare emergency response efforts in affected communities.
All Four Paws (@allforpaws.np) has launched an emergency appeal and is coordinating with partner organizations to pool resources, food, and essential medical supplies, with plans to provide field care, shelter, and emergency support to people and animals across the affected areas.
All Four Paws emphasized that “when a disaster hits, families and their animals suffer together, not separately.”
Animal Nepal (@animal_nepal) has announced Phase 1 of its disaster response, with two multi-disciplinary teams, including large and small animal veterinarians and technicians, on standby to mobilize as soon as conditions allow.
The organization plans to provide emergency veterinary care and medicine, animal feed and essential supplies, and relief support for affected communities.
“The situation is evolving rapidly, and we will adapt our response based on the needs identified on the ground,” stated Animal Nepal.
World Animal News will continue monitoring developments, including rescue efforts and updates on animals and wildlife affected by the catastrophic flash flood.
Those wishing to help animals affected by the disaster can visit All Four Paws (@allforpaws.np) and Animal Nepal (@animal_nepal) directly on Instagram for their latest donation information, emergency appeals, and ways to support their response efforts.
May God bless the families mourning loved ones, everyone who remains missing, the animals and wildlife affected by this devastating disaster, and all those working tirelessly to help.
