Pray: 'Apocalyptic' Nepal-Tibet Floods Kill Hundreds, Leave 1,300 Missing
Christian leaders around the world are calling for prayer after catastrophic flash floods brought widespread destruction and countless deaths to the Nepal-Tibet border, with apocalyptic scenes captured on video showing raging water sweeping away bridges, buildings and entire communities.
The flooding killed at least 353 people, although 1,300 individuals from more than 30 countries are missing, according to The Associated Press. Americans are among those who have not been found.
Scientists are still investigating the exact cause of the flooding, but believe a massive section of glacier broke loose high in the Himalayas, setting off a chain reaction of ice, rock and water.
Videos circulating on social media depict scenes seemingly straight out of a Hollywood disaster movie. In one security-camera clip filmed at Gyirong Port along the Nepal-Tibet border, dozens of people can be seen running through the streets moments before a massive surge of mud and debris engulfs buildings, vehicles and people at the border post. By the time the video ends, nothing except mud and dust can be seen. In another video, recorded in Nuwakot, Nepal, raging floodwaters race down a river before overtaking a major bridge and sweeping it away.
Scientists say the glacier’s collapse likely would have sounded like a bomb exploding. The resulting floodwaters may have risen by as much as 25 feet in just 30 minutes, experts told the Associated Press.
Evangelist Franklin Graham, CEO of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, described video of the devastation as “chilling.”
“The media is calling the scenes of catastrophic flash flooding on the Nepal-Tibet border ‘apocalyptic,’” he wrote on X/Twitter. “Stranded residents were being rescued off rooftops by helicopter. Take a moment to stop and pray for the people of this region and for families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.”
Jung Eun Grace Moon, general secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia, urged believers to “uphold the people and communities of Nepal and Tibet in prayer and to accompany them with timely relief.”
“Our hearts are heavy with grief as we remember the people of Nepal and Tibet in this moment of profound suffering,” Moon said. “We mourn with every family that has lost a loved one; we stand with those who are still waiting for news, and we grieve with communities whose homes and livelihoods have been swept away. In the midst of such overwhelming pain, we pray that the people of Nepal and Tibet may know that they are not alone. We are together in this hour of anguish.”
Moon added, “In this time of profound loss and suffering, may God’s comforting presence draw near to all those affected, embrace those who grieve, strengthen those who search and serve, shelter those who have lost their homes, and kindle a light of hope amid the darkness.”
Miriam Gluyas, territorial commander for the Salvation Army, said “homes, roads and entire communities have been swept away.”
“When tragedies like this happen, words can feel inadequate and prayer is the only place to begin,” she said. “I invite you to join me in praying for the people of Nepal.”
Photo Credit: ©X.com/BBCNews(World)
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published August 27, 2026.
