29 Aug 2026 HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy
Prepared by: Himalayan Yoga Academy, Kathmandu
1. Overview of the Disaster
On 26 August 2026, at approximately 9:00 AM local time, a catastrophic flash flood surged down the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibet Autonomous Region of China into Nepal, severely affecting Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha districts. The floodwaters continued along the Trishuli River corridor, impacting areas as far south as Chitwan.
Probable Cause: Preliminary investigations point to a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), possibly triggered by an earthquake recorded that morning. Satellite imagery also suggests an ice-rock avalanche about 20 km northeast of the border as a potential source.
Affected Areas in Rasuwa: Several settlements, including Timure, Syaphrubesi, Hakubesi, Mailung, and Shantibazar, were inundated or severely damaged. The Gyirong Port (Sino‑Nepal border) also sustained damage. Infrastructure losses are immense – 19 road bridges were destroyed, and 40 km of paved roads are impassable. Schools, markets, health posts, police stations, weather stations, and the Timure customs office were wrecked. The Nepali government has declared Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading as “disaster crisis zones”.
2. Latest Casualty and Missing Figures (as of 28 August 2026)
Confirmed Deaths: 539
Breakdown by district:
| District | Death Toll |
|---|---|
| Chitwan | 221 |
| Nuwakot | 161 |
| Nawalparasi East | 134 |
| Gorkha | 46 |
| Kavrepalanchok | 37 |
| Dhading | 34 |
| Tanahun | 28 |
| Nawalparasi West | 28 |
| Rasuwa | 13 |
Missing Persons: 977
Breakdown:
- Nepali security forces, customs & immigration personnel: 105 (Army 45, Police 28, Armed Police 13, Customs 15, Immigration 4)
- Reported via District Emergency Operation Centres: 228 (Rasuwa 161, Kavrepalanchok 66, Nuwakot 1)
- Foreign nationals or non‑resident Nepalis: 644 (517 foreign nationals, 127 Nepalis living abroad)
Injured: 73 (Rasuwa 43, Nuwakot 27, Dhading 3)
Note: These figures are based on preliminary government reports and are subject to change as search and verification continue.
3. Rescue and Relief Operations Update
The Government of Nepal has mobilised full national resources:
- Deployed personnel: 13,295 security forces (4,200 Army, 7,250 Police, 1,845 Armed Police)
- Helicopters deployed: 15 (6 Army, 9 private)
- Rescued persons: 3,742 evacuated
- Helicopter rescues: 1,976 persons airlifted
- Tunnel rescue: The Army rescued about 350 people from the Trishuli‑1 hydropower project tunnel; search continues for an estimated 100 still trapped inside.
International Aid: The government has stated that foreign search‑and‑rescue assistance is not currently required. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) arrived within 24 hours and is preparing emergency medical support. The government has released NPR 25 million in cash assistance (NPR 10 million each to Rasuwa and Nuwakot, NPR 5 million to Dhading).
4. Latest Risk Warnings
Secondary Dam/Breach Risk: A lake formed by a landslide at the source of the Bhote Koshi has begun overflowing, raising concerns of a possible rise in downstream water levels. Authorities report that water flow into Nepal has not yet significantly increased, but residents have been urged to remain vigilant. The Nepal Flood Forecasting Section has stated that there is no reliable information indicating an imminent second major flood in Rasuwa or Nuwakot.
5. Impact on Kathmandu and Our School
Kathmandu Valley Has Not Been Directly Affected
The disaster is geographically confined to the northern mountainous districts (Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha) and the downstream Trishuli corridor. Kathmandu Valley is distinctly separated and has experienced no direct flooding or physical impact from the event.
Himalayan Yoga Academy – Operations Normal
Our school is located in Kathmandu, far from the affected zones. As of today:
- Our campus sustained no damage whatsoever.
- All academic and administrative activities continue as usual without interruption.
- All staff and students are safe.
We extend our deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in this tragedy. Himalayan Yoga Academy will continue to monitor the situation closely and stands ready to support relief efforts in coordination with the government and humanitarian agencies if needed.
Date of Report: 29 August 2026
Sources: ReliefWeb, Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Nepal Police, Nepal Army, and multiple news outlets.