Continued Flood and Landslide Risk and Travel Disruptions

Location: Northern Rasuwa District and communities along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors

Event: Search, rescue, and recovery operations continue following the severe August 26 flood in northern Rasuwa District.

Authorities continue to monitor two lakes upstream of the flood zone associated with the glacier and debris collapse. One lake has been gradually draining, reducing the immediate threat it presents. A second, larger lake remains under assessment. Nepali disaster authorities advise that downstream flood risk will remain until both lakes have fully drained. Additional flooding and landslides remain possible.

Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasts heavy rain in mountain and hill areas of Bagmati Province, with isolated very heavy rain possible through September 1. This rainfall may cause flash flooding, debris flows, landslides, riverbank erosion, and further interruptions to roads, flights, and rescue operations.

Road and Airport Conditions: Tribhuvan International Airport remains open, and domestic and international flights continue to operate. Kathmandu Valley and most of Nepal are not directly affected by the Rasuwa flood and remain open to travelers, although weather may cause temporary transportation disruptions.

The Prithvi Highway is open, but travelers should expect delays, including near Galchhi–Baireni, where traffic remains restricted. Limited small-vehicle access to Dhunche may be possible, but reliable through access beyond Dhunche to Syafrubesi, Timure, Langtang-area trailheads, and Rasuwagadhi has not been confirmed. Travelers should verify their entire route immediately before departure and should not rely on reports that only an individual road segment has reopened.

Actions to Take:

• Do not travel north of Dhunche, including Syafrubesi, Timure, Langtang-area trailheads, and Rasuwagadhi, until authorities confirm reliable through access and the flood threat subsides.
• Stay away from rivers, low-lying areas, damaged bridges, unstable slopes, and active rescue sites.
• If river levels rise or authorities issue a warning, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait to observe conditions.
• Never walk or drive through floodwater.
• Verify your entire route with local authorities, your trekking agency, or your transportation provider immediately before departure.
• Do not enter affected areas to conduct independent searches or relief activities. These actions may interfere with official rescue operations and place additional people at risk.
• Monitor official weather and flood information from Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. For weather and flood information, call 1155.
• U.S. citizens in an affected area should inform the Embassy of their location and status. When requesting assistance, include your full name, exact location, contact information, and immediate needs.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Nepal:

Telephone: +977-1-423-4000

Email: KathmanduACS@state.gov

https://np.usembassy.gov/

Please reserve Embassy telephone calls for emergencies.

State Department – Consular Affairs

888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

Emergency Contacts in Nepal:

• Nepal Police: 100
• Government disaster and rescue hotline: 1234
• Armed Police Force: 1114
• Nepal Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Response Team for Affected Foreign Nationals, 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.: +977-9744441227 or +977-9744441228 (telephone/WhatsApp); emergency@mofa.gov.np

Nepal Destination Information  

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