Supplemental Info:

SITREP

A high-altitude ice-and-rock collapse on August 26, 2026 sent a debris-laden torrent down Himalayan valleys along the Nepal–Tibet border, killing at least 469 people in Nepal and leaving nearly 1,000 missing there and in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. Hundreds of foreign tourists and pilgrims remain unaccounted for.

State Department: ~90 Americans “may be impacted” or were unaccounted for; 3 had been safely rescued in Nepal.

Nepal Tourism Board: 65–66 U.S. nationals listed as missing among tourists in Nepal (early lists had ~47, then rose).

The surge wrecked villages in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, washed out bridges and about 40 km of roads, and damaged hydropower plants along the Kathmandu–Lhasa corridor.

Chinese and Nepali authorities are warning that other barrier lakes near the China-Nepal border could breach and send additional floodwater downstream. One landslide-dammed lake upstream of Gyirong Port is already spilling over its natural dam… A breach could occur with little or no warning.

Residents and travelers along the river corridor should remain in safe locations away from riverbanks. People who have evacuated or been relocated should not return to retrieve belongings.

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Natural Disaster Alert:

Continuing Flood Risk and Travel Disruptions

in Tibet Autonomous Region, China

By U.S. Mission China

August 28, 2026

Location:

Gyirong County and Saga County, Shigatse City, Tibet Autonomous Region

Gyirong Port (Jilong Port) border crossing

Communities along the Poiqu River valley, the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi basins, and the Nepal-China border corridor

Event:

On August 26, a catastrophic debris-laden flood struck Gyirong Port and surrounding areas of Gyirong County. Chinese and Nepali authorities are monitoring barrier lakes near the China-Nepal border that could breach and send additional floodwater downstream. One landslide-dammed lake upstream of Gyirong Port is already spilling over its natural dam, and Chinese engineering teams report that steep terrain prevents heavy machinery from reaching the site to drain or stabilize it. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that authorities have resumed search-and-rescue operations amid extensive damage to roads, power infrastructure, and communications after a break of approximately four hours on August 28 due to a risk of overflow at the barrier lake located approximately 10 kilometers from Gyirong Port. A breach could occur with little or no warning.

Local and national media report that additional rainfall is expected in Gyirong through September 1, which could heighten the risk of further landslides and flooding. Potentially impacted areas remain closed, and rescue efforts may be further affected.

Residents and travelers along the river corridor should remain in safe locations away from riverbanks and other high-risk areas until further notice. People who have evacuated or been relocated should not return to retrieve belongings. Flood debris has raised the riverbed, which could allow even a smaller rise in water to spread farther inland.

Severe road damage may prevent or significantly delay overland travel. However, the August 26 flood did not affect Lhasa. Domestic and international flights, and commercial air departure from Lhasa Gonggar Airport continue to operate. Travelers should work with their tour company to alter itineraries impacted by the August 26 flood and confirm their individual flight status directly with their airline.

Power and cellular service across the affected area remain disrupted, and travelers there may be unable to contact family members.

Road and Travel Conditions:

Road access remains severely disrupted. Chinese authorities closed arterial roads into Gyirong County and have reopened only a short section of the Gyirong Port access road for emergency crews. The Gyirong Port border crossing with Nepal remains inaccessible, and the National Immigration Administration has temporarily suspended travel permits for Shigatse City.

Some travelers have been directed toward the Zhangmu-Kodari border crossing as an alternate overland route into Nepal. Local tour operators report that route has sustained severe monsoon damage and rockfall and may be hazardous.

Conditions can change without notice as emergency response officials clear debris and assess damaged roads and bridges.

Actions to Take:

• If you are in the affected region and safe, contact your family, hotel, guide, and tour company as soon as possible. Use text, email, or messaging applications if telephone calls do not connect.

• If you are in the affected region and safe, confirm current conditions with local authorities and your transportation or tour provider immediately before traveling.

• Stay away from riverbanks, low-lying areas, damaged bridges, and unstable infrastructure, and never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater or cross a damaged road or bridge.

• If authorities evacuated or relocated you, remain in a safe location and do not return for belongings until authorities permit it.

• Postpone travel to Gyirong County, Gyirong Port, and the China-Nepal border area, including Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar circuits.

• Do not enter the disaster area independently to search for an out-of-contact traveler. Coordinate through Chinese authorities, the traveler’s tour company, and the U.S. Embassy.

• Follow instructions from Chinese authorities and your tour operator, monitor local announcements, and rely on verified information rather than unconfirmed reports.

Reporting Your Status or an Out-of-Contact Traveler:

U.S. citizens in or recently returned from an affected area should send a message to American Citizen Services, Beijing with their full name, current location, status, and tour company.

To report an out-of-contact U.S. citizen, email the person’s full name, itinerary, last known location, tour company, and date and time of last contact to American Citizen Services, Beijing

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Beijing:

Telephone: +86-10-8531-4000 (after hours: +86-10-8531-3000)

Contact: American Citizen Services, Beijing

https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/

U.S. Embassy Kathmandu (for travelers on the Nepal side):

Telephone: +977-1-423-4000

Email: KathmanduACS@state.gov

State Department – Consular Affairs:

888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

China Destination Information

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View the Original:

https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/natural-disaster-alert-continuing-flood-risk-and-travel-disruptions-in-tibet-autonomous-region-china/