Almost a week after catastrophic floods in Nepal, the border area of Gyirong Port, between Nepal and China, remains almost entirely cut off, with no vehicle access. Chinese rescue teams who have reached the area by helicopter or hiking describe it as completely flattened, with buildings and power lines wiped away.
The total number of Australians missing in the disaster rose to 43 on Monday, August 31, 2026. At least 33 of these individuals were understood to be near Gyirong Port just before the impact. Several groups, including those with Himalaya Glacier Company, Isha Foundation, Kailash Journeys, and Kathmandu Holiday Tours and Travel, were near the border, with many reportedly at the immigration building minutes before the flood hit.
Sujan Wasti, head of Kailash Journeys’ Nepal operations, stated that his teams have been searching the Trishuli River and local hospitals, but have found no signs of the missing trekkers. He added that along the border, only dead bodies have been found, suggesting survival would be a miracle.
China is coordinating the search and rescue efforts, with crews on the Tibet side still clearing and reconstructing 1.15km of highway towards the port as of Monday morning. Rescue teams have reported difficulties using life-detection devices due to thick mud and water, and are instead calling out for survivors. Continuing rainfall is forecast for the next two days, which is expected to further complicate efforts, alongside the threat of additional floods or landslides.