Nepal-Tibet floods: Death toll reaches 903; over 900 hydropower workers feared trapped in tunnels

At least 800 people have died and more than 3,000 remain missing after devastating floods struck areas along the Nepal-Tibet border. Nepal’s foreign ministry said 886 people have been rescued so far, while search and rescue operations remain underway.

The ministry said around 400 foreign nationals are among those reported missing.

Meanwhile, residents in Nepal received fresh flood alerts on their mobile phones after water levels in the Bhotekoshi River rose, the Associated Press reported. The warnings followed information from Chinese authorities about increased upstream water flow.

Officials also warned of a “high risk of flash floods” in Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts.

Rescue operations underway

Rescue efforts have been intensified, with India, China and South Korea sending specialised tunnel rescue teams to evacuate people trapped inside tunnels.

Nepal’s foreign ministry said its immediate priorities were to save lives, locate missing people, rescue those trapped, provide emergency relief to survivors and ensure that affected Nepali and foreign nationals receive necessary assistance.

149 Indians rescued

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday that 149 Indian nationals had been rescued from Nepal as search operations continued.

According to an MEA statement dated August 29, 598 Indian nationals had also safely crossed into Nepal from China over the previous two days, based on information from local Chinese authorities.

“Around 900 Indian nationals are still on the Chinese side but are safe and contactable,” the ministry said.

India steps up aid to Nepal

India has stepped up relief operations after the floods, sending more than 68 tonnes of emergency supplies to Nepal in four military flights.

New Delhi was among the first countries to deliver physical aid to Nepal following the disaster, reinforcing its role as a regional first responder during humanitarian emergencies.

India has previously provided relief and assistance to countries affected by major disasters, including Türkiye, Syria, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Venezuela.

Dalai Lama offers prayers

Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama on Sunday offered special prayers for victims of the devastating floods that struck Tibet and Nepal on August 26.

The prayers were held during a long-life prayer ceremony at the Shewatsel Teaching Ground in Leh, Ladakh. The Dalai Lama expressed concern over the scale of the tragedy and prayed for those who died, those still missing and others affected by the disaster.