Nepal on high alert over fresh flood threat after reported Tibetan dam breach

Kathmandu, August 28, 2026 — Nepal has been placed on high alert over the risk of another major flood surge after reports that a dam or natural barrier on the Tibetan side has breached, sending water levels in the Bhote Koshi River higher and raising concerns for downstream communities.

Nepal Police and the Flood Forecasting Division under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority have issued urgent warnings for communities along the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli and Narayani river corridors.

High alert has been imposed in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, while residents in vulnerable downstream settlements have been advised to remain vigilant and move to safer locations if conditions worsen.

Authorities have also taken precautionary measures in Nuwakot. Dozers, equipment and rescue personnel working in damaged and vulnerable areas around Bidur and Trishuli Bazaar have been moved to safer locations because of the renewed flood threat.

Officials have also halted movement along roads close to the Nepal-China border and areas near riverbanks as a precaution against a sudden rise in water levels.

Search-and-rescue teams and residents in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan and Nawalparasi have been asked to remain prepared for possible evacuation. Authorities remain concerned about barrier lakes and unstable water bodies upstream in Tibet that could trigger further outburst floods.

The warning comes as Nepal continues to deal with the aftermath of the catastrophic flash floods that struck on August 26. More than 470 people have been confirmed dead, while search and rescue operations remain underway in several affected districts.

The initial disaster sent a massive surge of water and debris through the Lhende Khola into the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems. The flooding destroyed bridges, highways, hydropower infrastructure and settlements along the river corridors.

The disaster has also affected around 431 megawatts of electricity-generation capacity, adding to the infrastructure losses caused by the floods.