Hundreds killed in flash flood on Nepal-Tibet border – please pray

Please pray for those affected by the flash flood that has killed hundreds in Nepal and Tibet, with many more missing.

The massive flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border has killed more than 350 people, mostly from Nepal, with hundreds more missing. It happened on Wednesday (26 August) and is reported to have been caused by a collapsed glacier.

“I stand before you today with a heavy heart,” said Balendra Shah, Prime Minister of Nepal. “The sudden and devastating flood in Rasuwa’s Bhote Koshi River has left the entire nation shocked and grieving.”

Open Doors local partner Raji* requests urgent prayer for those affected. “Apart from the causalities and the loss of lives, we have learnt that the flood has swept away villages and destroyed several roads and hydropower infrastructure. This is a major disaster that has left many families homeless and without access to basic necessities,” he says.

Impact on Christians

Christian leaders from Trishuli, one of the affected areas, report that seven families in their church have been impacted. Meanwhile, 17 members from five churches in Rasuwa District are believed to be missing.

A local contact adds that several families living along the riverbank have been affected, while an estimated 20–25 believers who were working on hydropower projects are missing.

John*, a senior pastor from the area, is aware of church members who have been left without any employment or a source of income. Many of them depended on daily wage labour for their livelihoods, particularly those working on hydropower projects, tunnel construction, riverbed work and border-related activities that have been destroyed by the flood.

Why is Nepal on the World Watch List?

Nepal is 46th on the World Watch List, returning to the top 50 after a three-year absence. Last year, widespread demonstrations led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and the political instability provided cover for an uptick in violence and pressure against Christians. A lot of persecution is driven by Hindu extremists, who believe that all Nepali people should be Hindu and that Nepal should return to being an officially Hindu country.

It is currently unclear to what extent those affected by persecution have been impacted by this week’s disaster.

“We are trying to connect with the churches in these areas and are evaluating the needs on the ground. Do pray for us that we can communicate timely and act with wisdom and discernment,” says Raji.

*Names changed for security reasons