This comparison of images from one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites shows the area around Betrawati and Gerkhu in Northern Nepal before and after a severe flash flood struck on 26 August 2026.
On 12 August 2026, the river followed a relatively narrow channel through densely vegetated hills. By 27 August 2026, the river course appeared markedly wider, with extensive pale brown sediment deposits visible. These deposits covered parts of the valley floor and extended beyond the earlier river margins.
The flood entered Rasuwa District from the Tibet side and traveled downstream through the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli river system, claiming many lives and causing widespread damage to settlements, roads, bridges, and hydropower facilities. The 42-km road between Betrawati and the Rasuwagadhi border crossing was reported damaged, with several bridges along the route swept away.
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See more maps of the flood extent.
