Two more South Africans among scores missing after Nepal floods

Two more South Africans have been reported missing after catastrophic flash floods swept through parts of Nepal and Tibet.

The latest report brings the number of missing South Africans to six, after the Nepal Tourism Board confirmed on Wednesday that four South Africans travelling with Alpine Eco Trek remain unaccounted for.

More than 1,000 people remain missing, while Nepalese police say over 350 people have died. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams reach affected areas.

A preliminary assessment by the US Geological Survey suggests that a glacial collapse and debris flow triggered the catastrophic flooding on Tuesday, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined.

Red Cross spokesperson, David Fisher, says the devastation is evident in what remains of villages and market areas.

“It has knocked out roads and bridges. Some areas are still not accessible to us, which we were very worried about,” Fisher said. 

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says it has deployed emergency medical supplies and is working with Nepalese authorities to assess further needs.

A daughter of a South African couple has contacted Gift of Givers, pleading for assistance in searching for her parents. 

“We spoke to the tour operator that hosted the couple; he confirmed that a second South African couple and several international tourists are missing,” Gift of the Givers said.

Gift of the Givers said it is aware of other South Africans in the region and has warned that they may not be safe. The disaster relief group said it is in contact with Nepalese disaster management authorities and the South African embassy.

It says visas are ready to be processed for South African rescue personnel should Nepal formally request international assistance.

My thoughts are with the people impacted by the flash flood and mudslide that hit the Nepal-China border this morning.@WHONepal has mobilized and dispatched essential emergency medical supplies, and provide field-level care to the affected communities.

My greatest respect and… https://t.co/bP46eLSWEs

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) August 26, 2026

A horrific scene of severe flooding at the Rasuwagadhi border point on the Nepal-Tibet border.
The strong currents wreaked havoc across the area, leaving 400 pilgrims and 105 Indian tourists also missing in the Nepal floods.#NepalFloods #Nepal #Rasuwa #FlashFlood #Floods pic.twitter.com/dwAX12Gj7l

— Ravi Pandey🇮🇳 (@ravipandey2643) August 26, 2026