Nepal Flood Causes Massive Destruction, PM Modi Speaks to Balen Shah; India Assures All Possible Help
Kathmandu, August 26, 2026: A severe flash flood in Nepal on Wednesday caused widespread destruction. Several areas of Rasuwa district, located along the China border, were hit by rapidly rising floodwaters, damaging homes, roads, bridges and power projects. Relief and rescue operations are continuing, but access to several areas remains difficult.
PM Modi Speaks to Nepal’s Prime Minister
Amid the situation in Nepal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah over the phone. PM Modi expressed condolences over the loss of lives and assured that India would provide all possible humanitarian and relief assistance.
India is also making efforts to gather information about Indian citizens stranded in Nepal and provide them with assistance. According to recent reports, a large number of Indian citizens and pilgrims are among those reported missing.
Roads, Bridges and Power Projects Damaged
Rasuwa and surrounding areas have been among the worst affected by the floods. According to reports, around 40 kilometres of roads and 19 bridges have been damaged or washed away. Several hydropower projects have also suffered damage. Different reports put the number of affected hydropower projects between 11 and 13.
The flood has also affected areas around Trishuli Bazaar in Nuwakot. According to local reports, around 60 houses have been affected by the floodwaters.
Hundreds of People Missing
The number of people reported missing after the floods continues to emerge. According to an Associated Press report, 403 people are reported missing in Nepal, including 341 foreign nationals. This includes 133 Indian citizens, according to the report.
Meanwhile, a Reuters report said that at least 95 people had died in Nepal, while hundreds remained missing. The figures may change as relief and rescue operations continue.
Nepal Army Engaged in Rescue Operations
The Nepal Army and other security agencies are carrying out relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas. Poor weather and damaged roads have affected ground access to several locations. The Nepal Army has begun using helicopters to evacuate injured and stranded people to safer places.
Flooding in areas along the Nepal-China border has also disrupted roads, communication and electricity services. Authorities have advised people living near rivers to remain alert and move to safer, higher ground if necessary.
At present, the administration’s priority is to evacuate people stranded in affected areas, provide medical assistance to the injured and deliver relief supplies to areas cut off from the rest of the region.
