Rasuwa Flood Alert 2026: Bhote Koshi Surge Hits Syabrubesi - Trekkers Stay Safe

What happened?

A sudden big flood came into the Bhote Koshi River from the China (Tibet) side early in the morning. No one is sure exactly why yet . There are assumptions as maybe a glacial lake broke .The flood that entered Nepal was unexpected. The water came very fast and strong causing threat to the life and property.

It hit the areas of Timure and Syabrubesi hard. These places are near the border with China. The flood damaged:

• Markets and houses
• Hydropower projects (places that make electricity from water)
• The customs office area

Some police offices were also damaged .  People are still checking how bad it is and if anyone got hurt.

Why does this matter for trekkers?

Rasuwa is on the way to popular trekking places like Langtang. The road and areas around Syabrubesi and Timure are highly affected. Vehicles going from Kathmandu toward Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Chitwan have been stopped for safety.

The flood water is moving down the Trishuli River. Warnings have been given all the way downstream (toward Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan, and even near Muglin). People living or staying near the river banks have been asked to move to higher, safer places.

Issuing an update at 10:28 AM on September 10, the Flood Forecasting Division stated that the flood has reached near Galchhi in Dhading and will cross Muglin in the next few hours.

What should Western trekkers do?

• Check local news or ask your hotel / guide for the latest updates.
• Stay away from the rivers (Bhote Koshi and Trishuli) right now.
• Do not try to travel on the roads toward Rasuwa / Syabrubesi until officials say it is safe.
• If you are already in the area, follow what the police and local officers say and move to higher ground if needed.

According to early reports from police (DIG Deepak Regmi of Bagmati Province Police), many houses in Timure market were washed away. Preliminary information says only 5 to 7 houses are left there.

The full count of flooded or destroyed houses is still being checked. Officials say the exact details of the damage have not come yet because the flood was sudden and access is difficult.

Other reports confirm that settlements and two markets (including Timure) suffered major damage, but no confirmed total figure for houses has been released so far. This is still a developing situation.

Current situation (as of latest available reports):

• 9 Armed Police Force (APF) personnel are missing / out of contact. This includes APF Inspector Ambir Khatri and eight others who were on duty at the Timure Border Out Post (BOP).
• Of the 30 personnel normally stationed there, 6 were on leave and 15 have been confirmed safe.
• A Nepal Police team in the Timure area has also reportedly lost contact.

One update mentioned a higher figure of 28 police personnel missing, but detailed confirmation is still limited.

The full extent of civilian casualties (deaths or missing people) is not yet known. Authorities are still assessing the damage and searching for people. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

This is a developing story. Numbers may change as communication is restored and rescue teams reach the affected areas. Officials have not released a confirmed death toll for this flood yet.

Additional Useful Contacts

Ministry of Home Affairs: 1112
National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Authority related lines are coordinated through :1234

Tip for trekkers and travelers:

Save 100 (Police) and 1234 (Disaster Helpline) in your phone.

Note : If you are near the affected river areas (Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, etc.), stay on higher ground and call these numbers for help or updates.

Stay safe!