A major flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa District on August 26, 2026, after a sudden surge of water entered the Bhote Koshi River from Tibet. The flood has caused widespread destruction in downstream communities. Rasuwa and Nuwakot were among the hardest hit regions, and authorities have reported hundreds of fatalities while hundreds of people remain missing.

Critical infrastructure has been badly damaged. Multiple bridges have been washed away and major roads are disrupted, leaving some of the worst-affected communities extremely difficult to reach. These access constraints are making it harder for responders to assess the full scale of the disaster and deliver assistance to people in need. 

Immediate humanitarian needs include search and rescue operations, emergency shelter, food, safe drinking water, sanitation services, health support and restoring access to isolated communities.

“The priority now is to reach affected communities and get assistance to people who have lost their homes, suffered injuries or have been cut off,” said the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) head of delegation for Nepal, David Fisher.

The Nepal Red Cross Society activated its Emergency Operations Center and rapidly deployed emergency response teams toward affected areas. Relief teams are delivering essential emergency supplies including drinking water, tarps, blankets, mattresses, first aid kits, stretchers and body bags, while additional stocks remain ready for deployment.

The IFRC immediately mobilized its entire global network to support the Nepal Red Cross Society and will adapt the response as further information becomes available.

Year-round, the American Red Cross partners with local Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world to strengthen disaster preparedness, and the Nepal Red Cross Society is one of these partners. By providing technical support and funding for locally driven projects, we help create safer, healthier, and more resilient communities together. As part of this work, the American Red Cross has a team of staff based in the country. They are all safe and accounted for.

Family members in the United States that are unable to contact loved ones in Nepal as a result of the flood can initiate a search through the Restoring Family Links program by submitting an International Reconnecting Families Inquiry Form or calling our free national helpline at +1 844-782-9441. The Nepal Red Cross Society is currently focused on immediate response efforts, and it may be some time before they are able to process welfare requests.

 A clearer picture of the devastation is expected as floodwaters recede and currently inaccessible areas can be reached. The situation remains highly dynamic, and the American Red Cross is closely coordinating with the IFRC and the Nepal Red Cross Society to provide additional capacity and international assistance if required.

More information from the IFRC on the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement response is available in English and Spanish.