FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday 27 August 2026
News Statement
Flash floods and massive landslide devastate communities along Nepal-China border
A major flash flood and glacial landslide has struck parts of northern Nepal and the Chinese border linking Tibet, with hundreds of people reported missing and early reports indicating multiple fatalities. As search and rescue efforts begin Plan International stands in solidarity with all those affected by this disaster.
Plan International Nepal Acting Country Director, Srijana Gurung said:
“This is a deeply tragic disaster affecting communities across Timure, Rasuwagadhi and Syabrubesi in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. We all remember the catastrophic earthquake 11 years ago that killed almost 10,000 people. Many of the communities impacted by yesterday’s disaster were also severely affected by the 2015 earthquake. No person deserves to go through an event like this, let alone two.
Across Nepal, communities are facing climate shock after shock with barely any time to recover. Floods and landslides have always happened in Nepal but the climate crisis is making them far more frequent and intense.
So far, we know the flash flood from the Bhote Koshi River has caused extensive damage to villages, markets, roads, communications infrastructure and hydropower facilities in Nepal. However, it is still too early to know the full scale of the destruction, but we fear the impact may be severe, with many people killed and injured.
As communities grapple with the devastating impact of this disaster, the Government of Nepal has moved swiftly to support rescue and relief efforts, deploying security forces and issuing warnings to communities downstream along the Trishuli River. The priority now must be reaching those affected, supporting families searching for loved ones, and ensuring vulnerable communities have the assistance they need.
Plan International stands in solidarity with all those affected by this devastating disaster. Our thoughts are with the children, young people, families, tourists and communities facing loss, uncertainty and disruption. Families today will have lost loved ones but also their homes, and livelihoods and will be in urgent need of medical attention, shelter, water, food and hygiene kits. There is also a risk of waterborne disease as access to clean water and sanitation is likely to have been damaged.
We are in close communication with the Government of Nepal and are closely monitoring the situation to support a coordinated, needs based response.
At this difficult time, we recognise the strength and resilience of communities across Nepal and remain committed to working alongside government authorities, partners and local communities to ensure children and their families are protected and supported. Particular attention must be given to those most at risk, including girls, women, older people and people with disabilities, while ensuring their rights, safety, dignity and voices remain at the centre of the response."
ENDS
Spokespeople available for interviews in Nepal, including Plan Nepal Country Director Srijana Gurung
For further information or interview requests, please contact:
Claire Knox, Global Media Manager, Plan International – based in Melbourne, Australia
Email: [email protected]
Robin Knowles, Acting Head of Global Media and PR, Plan International – based in Toronto, Canada
Email: [email protected]
Arif Ahmed, Regional Communications Manager: Based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, GMT +6
Email: [email protected]
About Plan International
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.
Working together with children, young people, supporters, and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood, and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels using our reach, experience, and knowledge.
For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.
We won’t stop until we are all equal.
