Deadly Floods in Tibet-Nepal Border Leave Hundreds Missing Including Israeli Tourist

A catastrophic flood struck the border region between Tibet, China, and Nepal early morning, burying four to five villages under mud and leaving hundreds of tourists missing. The disaster occurred around 8:30 a.m. local time near the Bhote Koshi River, when a massive landslide caused a sudden rise in water levels, sending torrents of water and mud into nearby settlements. At least 384 tourists and travelers are currently unaccounted for, with eight confirmed fatalities and about 28 buses reported missing in the area. The missing include nationals from Nepal, India, the UK, South Africa, Australia, and the Netherlands, as well as a reported Israeli citizen who may be trapped.

Nepal's government declared a state of emergency and launched extensive rescue operations involving helicopters, security forces, and local residents. Hospitals in Kathmandu have prepared special wards for the injured. The rising water levels have swept away police stations, customs offices, and homes, prompting urgent warnings for communities downstream, including the popular tourist district of Chitwan near the Indian border. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an immediate travel advisory urging Israelis in the region to avoid flood-prone areas.

ZAKA's international unit and the Israeli embassy in Nepal are actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to verify the status of missing Israeli tourists. ZAKA's Operations Deputy Director, Haim Wingarten, confirmed readiness to assist in rescue efforts in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry. Due to ongoing floods and difficult access to affected zones, officials expect the number of casualties and missing persons to rise as more areas become accessible.