Kathmandu: Nepal has issued a fresh flood alert after the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa began rising again on Sunday, August 30, raising concerns of another dangerous surge in the flood-hit region. Authorities have urged people living along riverbanks as well as rescue and relief teams to remain on high alert.
The warning comes just days after a catastrophic flash flood devastated parts of Nepal and Tibet, killing hundreds of people and leaving thousands missing. The latest rise in river levels has added to concerns among communities already struggling to cope with the aftermath.
Bhote Koshi River Rises Again
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) issued the fresh warning after receiving reports that the Bhote Koshi’s water level and flow had increased again in Rasuwa.
Authorities have specifically warned residents along the riverbanks and personnel involved in search, rescue and relief operations across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan to remain vigilant.
The warning is particularly significant because large stretches of the river system were already severely damaged by the August 26 disaster.
Trishuli River Water Level Also Rises
The renewed surge is also affecting the Trishuli River, one of the major downstream river systems connected to the Bhote Koshi.
Reports indicate that the Trishuli’s water level has risen significantly, with monitoring points showing levels around 3 metres above the danger mark. The development has prompted additional concern for settlements and infrastructure located along the river.
The floodwaters have already demonstrated how rapidly conditions can deteriorate. During the initial disaster, the Trishuli reportedly rose by around 30 feet at one monitoring location in approximately 30 minutes, leaving residents with very little time to escape.
Rescue Teams Told To Remain Alert
The latest warning is not limited to local residents. Rescue, search and relief personnel working in the disaster-hit areas have also been asked to exercise extreme caution.
This is particularly important because thousands of rescue workers are currently operating in unstable areas filled with mud, debris and damaged infrastructure. Rising water could further complicate operations around hydropower facilities, bridges and riverbanks.
Nepal’s authorities are continuing search operations for people still missing following last week’s devastating flood.
Fresh Flood Risk Adds To Nepal’s Crisis
The latest warning comes as Nepal continues to deal with one of its worst recent natural disasters.
The August 26 flash flood struck the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems after a major ice-and-rock collapse in the Himalayas triggered a devastating debris flow. The flood swept away homes, bridges, roads, hydropower infrastructure and border facilities.
By August 30, the combined death toll reported from Nepal and Tibet had climbed dramatically, while more than 3,000 people were still missing. Rescue teams have saved thousands of people, but difficult terrain, damaged roads and continuing flood threats are hampering operations.
Concern Over Further Flooding
Authorities are also monitoring newly formed lakes and unstable areas created by the earlier glacier and rock collapse.
Although the immediate risk from one lake near the China-Nepal border has reportedly decreased as the lake has begun draining, experts and authorities remain concerned about secondary disasters in the unstable Himalayan terrain.
The renewed rise in the Bhote Koshi demonstrates that the danger has not completely passed, even several days after the initial catastrophe.
Tourists And Foreign Nationals Among Those Affected
The disaster has also affected hundreds of foreign nationals and tourists who were travelling in the region.
Nepal News reported on Sunday that 261 tourists from various countries had been rescued after being stranded by the Bhote Koshi flood, while hundreds of people remained missing.
Indian nationals are also among those affected, with Indian authorities continuing efforts to locate and assist citizens caught in the disaster.
Nepal Flood Alert: What Residents Should Do
Authorities have urged people living close to the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers to take the renewed warning seriously.
Residents in vulnerable areas should:
- Move to higher ground if water levels rise rapidly.
- Avoid approaching riverbanks to watch floodwaters.
- Follow instructions issued by local authorities.
- Keep emergency documents, medicines and essential items ready.
- Avoid damaged bridges and roads near rivers.
- Cooperate with evacuation and rescue teams.
People involved in relief and search operations have also been advised to monitor river conditions continuously.
Nepal Floods: Key Updates
| Development | Latest Information |
|---|---|
| Bhote Koshi | Water level rising again |
| Trishuli | Water level reported above danger mark |
| Fresh alert | Issued by Nepal disaster authorities |
| Areas warned | Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan |
| Rescue operations | Continuing |
| Tourists rescued | 261 reported rescued |
| Major concern | Further flooding and unstable terrain |
| Original disaster | August 26, 2026 |
Danger Not Over Yet
The renewed rise in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers has created another layer of uncertainty for Nepal’s flood-hit communities. With rescue operations still underway and thousands of people unaccounted for, authorities are urging residents and emergency personnel not to lower their guard.
The situation remains dynamic, and people living along the affected river corridors are being advised to closely follow official warnings and move away from vulnerable areas if instructed to do so.
