Harrowing footage shows moment flood hits China-Nepal border — leaving 17 dead and hundreds missing, including 3 Americans

Hundreds are missing and many more are feared dead after catastrophic flash flooding hit Nepal — as harrowing footage shows a massive surge of water descending from the mountains and overtaking a border crossing building as dozens of terrified people run for their lives.

The mudslide is believed to have been caused by a wall of mud and rock that collapsed into a river on the Himalayan border between Nepal and China-controlled Tibet, resulting in catastrophic flooding on the Nepali side that has left at least 17 people dead and over 300 tourists missing.

Though the horrifying disaster is still unfolding, initial reports suggest the floods could be the result of an avalanche triggered by an earthquake, Nepal’s foreign minister Shisir Khanal told the country’s parliament Wednesday.

A CCTV screengrab shows people running away as a wall of mud and water destroys buildings in a valley at the Nepal-China border in Gyirong, Tibet region, China on August 26, 2026. SOCIAL MEDIA via REUTERS

Houses lie partially submerged in muddy water along a riverside after flash floods at Trishuli Bazar in Nepal’s Nuwakot district on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. AFP via Getty Images

The German Research Centre for Geosciences recorded a 4.4 magnitude quake around seven minutes before the security footage taken at the border.

The powerful torrent of water and debris swept away homes, roads and businesses in Nepal, while Tibetan officials said they feared “major casualties” in the wake of the calamity, according to reports in local media.

Flood alerts have been issued in populated areas downstream from the mountains, including the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

At least 384 foreign travelers were reported missing from the region, including three US citizens, 105 Indians, 93 Nepalis and 12 British nationals, according to Nepal’s tourism authority.

With Post wires