What we know
- A massive flood on the Trisuli River has swept away the Khalte settlement in Rasuwa District.
- The Nepali Times reported that at least 383 people are dead or missing following the disaster on August 26.
- Landslides triggered by the heavy rains have blocked the main highway leading down towards Chitwan.
- The settlement was populated by earthquake survivors originally from Mailung, Tiru, and Gogane villages.
What this means if you are travelling
- Travellers planning to use the highway corridor along the Trisuli River or heading towards Chitwan must expect significant delays due to active landslides.
- Trekking routes and road transport passing through the Rasuwa district, including access points near Mailung, are highly disrupted and require operator verification.
- River-based adventure activities on the Trisuli River are highly dangerous during these extreme water surges and should be avoided.
- Travellers are advised to consult their local operators to confirm if their specific transport routes through Rasuwa are currently clear.
A catastrophic flood occurred along the Trisuli River in the Rasuwa district on the morning of August 26, destroying an entire settlement. The disaster struck the riverside community of Khalte, which was established to house survivors of the major 2015 earthquake. According to reporting by the Nepali Times, the sudden rise of the river swept away homes, agricultural fields, and critical local infrastructure.
The disaster has caused massive casualties in the local community, which was home to over 1,100 residents. The Nepali Times reported that at least 383 individuals are confirmed dead or remain missing. The physical geography of the Khalte area, situated in a very narrow section of the Trisuli River with steep cliffs rising directly above the homes, left residents with almost no path to escape the rapidly rising water.
Impact on Regional Transport and Roads
The extreme weather and flooding have caused severe damage to the transport infrastructure in Rasuwa and surrounding districts. Landslides triggered by the intense rainfall have blocked key sections of the highway. These blockages have halted vehicular movement along the primary transport corridors that connect the northern border regions to southern destinations like Chitwan.
Local authorities and residents are waiting for clearing operations to begin on the blocked highway sections. Travellers should expect prolonged road closures in the region as debris and mud are cleared from the mountain passes. Overland journeys through Rasuwa and down towards the southern plains are currently suspended or heavily delayed.
Safety Warnings for River Activities and Trekking
The flooding on the Trisuli River and the Bhote Kosi highlights the extreme volatility of Nepal's river systems during the monsoon season. Water levels have reached unprecedented heights, carrying heavy debris including boulders, mud, and uprooted trees. All recreational activities on or near the Trisuli River must be suspended immediately due to these life-threatening conditions.
Trekking routes that parallel the river or cross through the affected villages of Mailung, Tiru, and Gogane are highly unstable. The surrounding mountains remain extremely vulnerable to secondary landslides. Travellers must avoid these specific sectors and coordinate with trekking agencies to seek alternative routes.
What Travellers Need to Check
If you have an upcoming trip booked that passes through the Rasuwa district, you must take immediate steps to verify your itinerary. Do not attempt to travel to this region without receiving a direct safety clearance from your trekking or transport operator.
- Contact your tour operator to verify if your route avoids the active landslide zones on the highway.
- Monitor local weather bulletins and river level warnings for the Trisuli and Bhote Kosi rivers.
- Ensure your travel insurance covers emergency evacuation and trip alterations due to natural disasters.
- Avoid all river-based activities in the central and northern river basins until further notice.
Reported by
This update summarises reporting from the outlets below and adds our own planning guidance. Follow the links for the original reports.
Questions travellers are asking
Which specific areas in Rasuwa were affected by the flood?
The flood heavily impacted the Khalte settlement, which is located on public land beside the Trisuli River. This settlement housed families who were previously relocated from the villages of Mailung, Tiru, and Gogane after the 2015 earthquake.
Is the highway through the region open for travel?
No, the highway is currently blocked by landslides caused by the heavy rains and flooding. According to the Nepali Times, travelers and locals are unable to move down towards Chitwan until these highway landslides are cleared.
Was there any warning before the flood occurred?
The Nepali Times reported that there was no official warning before this specific flood on August 26. While residents previously used SMS alerts to monitor river levels, this particular surge happened too rapidly for an organized evacuation.
Are river rafting trips on the Trisuli safe right now?
No, river activities are extremely dangerous. The Trisuli River has risen to unprecedented levels and is carrying massive amounts of mud, sand, and boulders, making any river-based travel impossible.