# Himalayan glacial river collapse and flooding

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/himalayan-glacial-river-collapse-and-flooding
> Updated: 2026-09-11T07:39:56.000Z. Sources: 261. Developments: 5.

Search and rescue operations in Nepal and the Tibet region of China continue following the catastrophic glacial collapse on Mount Langtang Lirung on August 26. The disaster was triggered by a massive glacier falling nearly 5,000 meters, creating a natural dam on the Lhende River. When this barrier failed, a surge of water traveling at 120 miles per hour inundated communities in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading.

The official death toll has reached 1,377, with Chitwan recording the highest number of fatalities. While emergency responders have rescued 13,656 individuals, more than 5,130 people remain unaccounted for, including 589 foreign nationals. 

Economic devastation is widespread. Beyond the previously estimated losses of 387.5 billion Nepalese rupees, recent reports indicate business losses of at least NPR 2 billion and severe disruptions to the Nepal-China trade route due to damaged border infrastructure. 

Relief efforts are ongoing, including a US$200,000 grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation for emergency relief and joint Nepali-Chinese supply deliveries to the Rasuwa district. On September 11, a 3.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Tibet region, though no immediate casualties were reported from that specific seismic event.

Amid the ongoing search efforts, a rare success was reported in the Bhotekoshi River basin. A 64-year-old woman, Chandika Kumari Shrestha, was discovered alive after being missing for 10 days. Rescue teams located her within the ruins of a partially buried four-story building in the Nuwakot district, where search efforts had previously been hindered by mud and debris that had hardened like concrete.

## Claims

- Chandika Shrestha, 64, was rescued alive from her collapsed house in Nuwakot after 10 days. (disputed by 21 sources)
- The death toll in Nepal has reached 1,341. (disputed by 21 sources)
- More than 5,000 people remain missing following the floods. (disputed by 15 sources)
- The death toll from the August 26 disaster has risen to at least 1,344 people, with 4,898 still missing. (disputed by 11 sources)
- Approximately 4,996 people remain missing in Nepal. (disputed by 10 sources)
- 275 Indian nationals are still reported missing following the floods. (disputed by 7 sources)
- 1,907 Indian nationals have safely reached Nepal from China. (disputed by 7 sources)
- 169 Indian nationals have been rescued from the flood-affected areas in Nepal. (disputed by 5 sources)
- Chandika Shrestha, 60, was rescued from a four-story building in Betrawati. (disputed by 3 sources)
- The disaster was triggered by a glacier fracture on Mount Langtang Lirung on August 26. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- On the Tibetan side of the border, 31 people died and 531 were missing. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- Lu Haitao, a 49-year-old Chinese national, was rescued alive from a 225-meter tunnel at the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project. (corroborated by 14 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Nepal flood survivor found alive after 10 days missing

A 64-year-old woman was found alive after 10 days missing in the mud and debris following a severe flash flood in Nepal's Nuwakot district.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nepal-flood-survivor-found-alive-after-10-days-missing

### 2026-09-09: Nepal flash floods kill over 1,300 and disrupt China trade

Devastating flash floods in Nepal, triggered by a glacial collapse, have killed at least 1,377 people and left thousands missing. The disaster has also disrupted major trade routes with China.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bhotekoshi-river-floods-disrupt-nepal-china-trade

### 2026-09-06: Nepal floods: Two survivors rescued after being trapped for 11 days

Two survivors, including 64-year-old Chandika Kumari Shresta and Chinese national Lu Haitao, were rescued after being trapped for 10-11 days following devastating glacier-induced floods in Nepal.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nepal-floods-woman-rescued-alive-after-family-began-mourning-rituals

### 2026-09-04: Nepal flash floods kill over 1,300 following glacier collapse

Flash floods caused by a glacier collapse in Nepal and China have killed over 1,300 people and left nearly 5,000 missing, causing billions in infrastructure damage and disrupting hydropower projects.

239 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nepal-rescue-woman-and-chinese-citizen-saved-after-10-days-trapped-in-mudslide

### 2026-08-28: Greece reports multiple sudden deaths and tragic accidents

Multiple sudden deaths and tragic accidents have been reported across Greece, including incidents in Pyrgos, Messolonghi, Chalkidiki, and Evosmos. Authorities are investigating the causes.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nepal-floods-94-year-old-woman-rescued-alive-from-landslide-debris

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Cite as: Himalayan glacial river collapse and flooding. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/himalayan-glacial-river-collapse-and-flooding
