NEWS: Nepal-Tibet Floods Disrupt Travel and Damage Key Infrastructure

The Tribhuvan International Airport remains open and is handling domestic and international flights.

Travellers with upcoming trips to Nepal are being urged to exercise heightened caution, monitor official advisories and confirm travel arrangements as rescue operations continue following devastating floods along the Nepal-Tibet border.

Severe flash floods in Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district have caused widespread loss of life, major infrastructure damage and significant disruption to travel following a powerful surge of water, sediment and boulders on Wednesday, August 26.

The flooding entered Nepal through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems. According to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), water levels reportedly rose by as much as nine metres within 30 minutes.

At least 180 people have reportedly died in Nepal, with more than 1,300 people still missing. More than 500 of those missing are reported to be foreign visitors from countries including India, the United States, Ukraine, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and the United Kingdom.

The disaster has also severely affected Tibet, where flooding at the Gyirong border crossing with Nepal has reportedly left nearly 600 people missing, including approximately 260 foreign visitors.

Travel and infrastructure disruption

Rescue and recovery operations are continuing, with the Nepali Army deploying helicopters to assist affected communities and travellers. Hospitals in Kathmandu have also increased capacity to accommodate injured residents and visitors.

The flooding has damaged approximately 40 kilometres of roads and affected bridges, electricity and water infrastructure. Major road closures are currently in place, and travellers should expect significant disruption to ground transportation in affected areas.

The Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu remains open and is operating domestic and international flights. However, passengers with upcoming flights should confirm their flight status directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.

While the main floodwaters have moved downstream, Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned that continued rainfall could trigger further flooding, landslides and additional damage to roads and other infrastructure.

The precise cause of the disaster remains under investigation. Nepalese officials have indicated that a landslide associated with a glacial event may have triggered the sudden release of water into downstream river systems.

Areas travellers should avoid

Travellers are advised to avoid the following flood-affected areas and to stay away from rivers, riverbanks, bridges and low-lying areas:

• Rasuwa

• Nuwakot

• Dhading

• Gorkha

• Chitwan

• Areas immediately surrounding rivers, riverbanks and bridges

  
  

Travellers should not attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges or waterways and should follow instructions issued by Nepalese authorities.

Advice for travellers

Travellers currently in Nepal or planning to visit should:

• Monitor official government and local authority advisories for the latest information.

• Check directly with airlines before travelling to the airport.

• Reconsider or postpone travel to severely affected areas until conditions improve.

• Avoid rivers, riverbanks, bridges and areas vulnerable to landslides or flooding.

• Follow evacuation and emergency instructions from local authorities.

• Keep passports, travel documents, medication and essential supplies readily accessible.

• Maintain contact with family, travel providers and relevant diplomatic missions where appropriate.

  
  

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel notice on August 27 advising Singaporeans in Nepal to exercise a high degree of caution, remain vigilant, monitor local news and follow instructions from local authorities.

The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi has also deployed a response team to Nepal to provide assistance on the ground.

For people in affected areas who require emergency assistance, search and rescue or immediate help, Nepalese authorities have made the toll-free numbers 1234, 100 and 1111 available.

With search and rescue operations still underway and further rainfall possible, travellers are advised to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement through affected regions until authorities confirm that routes are safe.