New Delhi/ Bhopal, August 27, 2026

India has offered all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal after a devastating flash flood killed more than 160 people and left hundreds missing. The disaster has also raised concern over the safety of a large number of Indian pilgrims and tourists travelling through the Himalayan region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences over the loss of lives. He said India stood in solidarity with the people of Nepal during the difficult time. “India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts,” the Prime Minister said after the telephone conversation.

The flood struck Nepal’s northern region close to the Tibet border on Wednesday. A massive flow of water, mud and rocks swept through settlements, roads and bridges within minutes. The Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors were among the worst-affected areas.

The disaster caused extensive damage in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and adjoining districts. Several houses and vehicles were buried under thick layers of mud. Important road links between Nepal and Tibet were also disrupted.

According to the latest reports, at least 165 people have died in Nepal. The toll is expected to rise as search teams move into remote settlements. Hundreds of people remain unaccounted for on both sides of the Nepal-Tibet border. Sources claimed that rescue teams were searching for nearly 1,500 missing people across Nepal and Tibet.

Nepalese authorities had earlier listed 403 people as missing in the country. The list included 341 foreign nationals. At least 133 Indians, many of them travelling towards the Kailash Mansarovar region, were among those whose whereabouts were being verified.

Nepal Police, the Nepal Army and disaster-response teams have been deployed in the affected areas. Helicopters are being used to rescue stranded people and deliver food, drinking water and medicines. At least 125 people, including foreign nationals, had been rescued by Thursday.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah reportedly urged citizens to remain patient and united. He said the government would take responsibility for the rescue, treatment, food and shelter of the affected people.

Initial assessments suggested that the flood was triggered by the collapse of a glacier or a massive ice-and-rock avalanche in the high Himalayas. The sudden surge carried heavy debris downstream, leaving little time for residents and travellers to escape. Authorities are also monitoring possible blockages and temporary lakes upstream, which may pose the risk of another flood.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said in Delhi that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had conveyed condolences and offered assistance on behalf of India. Rijiju also expressed grief over the deaths and said India shared the pain of the flood-affected families.

Nepal later thanked India for its support. The Nepalese side said the gesture reflected the long-standing friendship and close people-to-people ties between the two countries.

India and Nepal share an open border and have a long record of cooperation during natural disasters. The immediate priority is to locate the missing, evacuate stranded travellers and restore access to the affected Himalayan settlements.