On the morning of August 26, 2026, a massive wall of water, ice, and mud swept into Nepali villages with no notice. People fled in terror as the disaster rapidly unfolded. Many were swept up in violent, churning waters. The deluge destroyed dozens of villages along the China–Nepal border. At one point, rivers reportedly rose about 30 feet in just 30 minutes, and in several places the high-water mark was 270 feet above the normal river level.
What was the cause of this unexpected catastrophe? A large section of a glacier broke away at roughly 17,000 feet in elevation and plunged 3,937 feet onto the valley floor, picking up rock and sediment as it fell. The resulting ice-rock avalanche struck the Lhende River, temporarily damming the river before the natural dam gave way and released a massive surge downstream.
At least 1,000 deaths are confirmed, and more than 4,200 remain missing. The flood carried the bodies of some victims 150 miles into neighboring India.
The area affected includes a large and difficult mountainous region. More than 45 miles of riverfront communities were completely destroyed or severely damaged. The floodwaters destroyed or damaged more than 40 bridges, many miles of roads, schools, and hydropower facilities, and in some places wiped out entire communities. The Red Cross estimates that more than 93,000 people have been affected by the disaster.
Please pray for CAM contacts as they assess the most pressing needs. Our initial response will include food packages, water, blankets, and tents for affected victims.
