Kathmandu: Chinese authorities have released the first nationality breakdown of 261 foreign nationals missing in Tibet following the catastrophic flood and mudslide that devastated communities along the Nepal–China border.
The missing foreigners include 104 Nepalis, 49 Indians, 33 Latvians, 18 Americans and 15 British nationals. The remaining people are from 18 other countries, taking the total number of affected nationalities to 23.
Relevant embassies and consulates have been notified as authorities continue verifying missing-person records and searching the disaster zone. Chinese officials said no foreign tourists remain stranded elsewhere in Gyirong County, but the whereabouts of the 261 listed individuals have not been established.
Nepal–Tibet Flood Toll Reaches 691
Nepal has reported 675 confirmed deaths, 2,498 missing people and 7,514 rescues.
In Tibet, authorities have confirmed 16 deaths and 546 missing people. The 261 foreign nationals are included within Tibet’s missing-person total and should not be counted separately.
The combined Nepal–Tibet figures now stand at:
- 691 confirmed deaths
- 3,044 people missing
- 7,514 people rescued in Nepal
Authorities have warned that these provisional totals may change as missing-person lists are verified and rescuers gain access to isolated areas.
China Deploys Over 2,100 Emergency Workers
China has deployed more than 2,100 emergency personnel and allocated at least 220 million yuan—approximately $32.7 million—for relief and rescue operations.
Beijing is also assisting Nepal with emergency supplies, financial support, satellite imagery, hydrological information and specialised tunnel-rescue personnel. Nepali and Chinese teams continue coordinating searches on both sides of the border.
Over 100 Workers Feared Trapped in Tunnels
More than 100 workers may remain trapped around the Trishuli 3A and 3B hydropower tunnels in Nepal. The entrances are obstructed by thick mud, rocks and flood debris.
Rescuers have inserted a pipe into one tunnel and are pumping air inside while preparing an excavation route. Unstable ground and uncertainty about conditions within the tunnels are making the operation highly dangerous. No fresh tunnel rescue had been confirmed in the latest update.
Residents Move to Higher Ground
Residents and emergency workers reportedly moved to safer, elevated areas after the Trishuli River rose again. Authorities have not confirmed any additional deaths or property damage caused by the renewed rise.
Monitoring of river levels, unstable slopes and upstream lakes remains underway because additional water or debris surges could threaten settlements and rescue teams.
Search operations continue across flooded valleys, riverbanks, damaged settlements and hydropower facilities. With thousands still unaccounted for, the immediate priorities remain locating survivors, reaching trapped workers and delivering food, medicine, drinking water and shelter to affected communities.
The figures in this report were updated at 9:55 a.m. Nepal time on August 30, 2026, and remain subject to official revision.
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