Search and rescue operations following the devastating Nepal-Tibet floods have entered their fourth day, with 1,924 people reported missing in Nepal, according to the country's disaster relief agency. The figure includes at least 517 foreign nationals, although authorities have reported different numbers as the situation continues to develop.

International aid agencies and governments have stepped up support for Nepal as rescue teams continue searching for survivors and assisting affected communities.

The European Union, Canada and the United States are among those that have announced plans to provide aid materials or financial assistance. The United Nations has also warned that tens of thousands of households are in need of food and emergency drinking water. According to Nepali officials, around 4,000 people have been rescued, while more than 500 deaths have been confirmed following the floods.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also announced €2 million in immediate humanitarian aid for Nepal, saying the assistance will provide "life-saving assistance to families and communities hit hardest".

The disaster has also affected tourists who were travelling through the region, with many of those missing believed to have been on pilgrimage journeys. The area is an important destination for Hindus and Buddhists, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year to sacred sites. Indian nationals, including several pilgrims, make up the largest group of foreign visitors affected by the flash floods.

Many Indian pilgrims travel through Nepal towards Mount Kailash in Tibet, a 6,400-metre peak considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Nepal also attracts visitors from across the world for trekking and hiking.

The Rasuwa region in north-central Nepal, one of the areas hit hardest by the floods, is known for its hiking routes. Although August is not the peak trekking season, authorities believe some hikers may have been in the region when the floods struck. Satellite images taken before and after the floods and mudslides have provided a clear view of the destruction across towns and villages along the Nepal-Tibet border.

In images taken last month, the colourful buildings of Timure, Nepal, could be seen lining the river. Following the disaster, only a few buildings remain visible, with large parts of the area covered by mud, water and rock. With rescue operations continuing, authorities and relief agencies remain focused on locating those still missing, supporting survivors and delivering essential supplies to communities affected by the disaster.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, is set to bring its ASAI Hotels brand to Malaysia with the opening of ASAI Gamuda Cove on 15 September 2026. Located in the 1,530-acre Gamuda Cove township in Selangor, the 13-storey hotel is around 20 minutes by car from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

With 280 rooms, ASAI Gamuda Cove will be the largest ASAI property to date and the brand's first hotel outside a city neighbourhood. It will also become Dusit's second hotel in Malaysia, following Dusit Princess Melaka, which opened in December 2024.

The hotel follows ASAI's Live Local approach, with the surrounding nature and attractions playing a key role in the guest experience. It is located beside the 1,111-acre Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands, a nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary where guests can explore freshwater wetlands and spot native wildlife. The nearby 90-acre Wetlands Arboretum also offers walking trails, birdwatching and environmental learning activities.

For families and adventure seekers, SplashMania Waterpark is nearby with 39 slides and attractions, while Discovery Park offers outdoor recreation and entertainment. An electric tram network connects different parts of the township, making it easier for guests to move between its nature, leisure and commercial areas.

The hotel will offer a range of room categories, from compact rooms for solo travellers and couples to balcony rooms, bunk-bed options and a two-room family category that can accommodate up to six guests. Selected rooms will overlook the wetlands, while facilities include fast Wi-Fi, smart televisions, walk-in showers and practical storage.

Guests can also make use of an infinity pool overlooking the wetlands, a gym, co-working areas and flexible meeting and event spaces for up to 100 people. Dining will be spread across three venues, with Malaysian flavours at the heart of the offering.

Nasi & Khao will combine Malaysian and Thai comfort food with familiar Western dishes. Tea Shop will offer curated teas and light bites from morning until late, while the Pool Bar will serve handcrafted cocktails, refreshments and snacks alongside views of the infinity pool and Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands.

The property's location will also place guests around 20 minutes by car from Sepang International Circuit, where Formula 1 will return for the first time since 2017 with the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, scheduled from 2–4 October 2026.

"ASAI Gamuda Cove shows how our Live Local approach can work in a setting where nature, recreation, and a growing community come together," said Mr Chanin Donavanik, Group CEO, Dusit International. "It will give travellers a comfortable and practical base, provide local residents with new places to meet and dine, and put the wetlands and the wider township within easy reach. Opening just ahead of Formula 1's return gives us an excellent opportunity to demonstrate what ASAI offers to visitors from Malaysia and around the world. And the hotel's role will extend well beyond the race weekend: we want every stay to help guests experience more of the area and connect with the people who call it home."

ASAI Hotels focuses on travellers looking for well-designed essentials, accessible rates and a closer connection with the destinations they visit. The brand combines compact and functional rooms with social, dining and co-working spaces that reflect the local setting.

ASAI Gamuda Cove will become the brand's fourth operating hotel, joining ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, ASAI Bangkok Sathorn and ASAI Kyoto Shijo in Japan.

The Malaysian opening is another step in Dusit's expansion in the country. Following Dusit Princess Melaka in December 2024, the company is also preparing to open Dusit Princess Ipoh in October 2026, with further details to be announced soon.

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands, is strengthening its presence in Turkey and Poland with the addition of The Marmara Hotels and PURO Hotels to its portfolio.

The two homegrown hospitality brands will together bring 15 hotels into the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme. The Marmara Hotels' six properties across Turkey are already live on the programme, while PURO Hotels' portfolio is set to join in Q3 2026. The latest additions highlight the growing interest among independent hotel brands in gaining international reach while keeping their local identity and character intact.

"Independent hotel brands are increasingly looking for ways to reach more international travellers while staying true to their local identity," said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. "GHA enables brands to achieve this by combining global reach and scale with the freedom to maintain their individuality. With their amazing history and unique culture, Turkey and Poland are destinations experiencing significant growth in international demand, as people expand their travel horizons, and we are now able to offer a fabulous choice of hotels in these markets."

The Marmara Hotels Brings Turkish Hospitality to GHA

With more than four decades of experience, The Marmara Hotels has its roots in Istanbul and combines contemporary comfort with Turkish heritage. Its portfolio includes hotels in Taksim Square and Pera, along with properties in Bodrum and Antalya.

Each property is designed around the character of its destination, while reflecting the warmth and generosity associated with Turkish hospitality. The brand's connection to local heritage can also be seen through its involvement in preserving historic landmarks, including Esma Sultan Palace by the Bosphorus and the restored Zeyrek Çinili Hamam.

PURO Hotels Focuses on Design and Local Culture

PURO Hotels brings a modern urban approach to hospitality, with its hotels located across Warsaw, Wrocław, Kraków, Poznań, Gdańsk and Łódź.

The brand combines design, art, gastronomy and local culture to create spaces that appeal to both travellers and local communities. Its hotels also serve as social hubs where people can meet, work, enjoy food and experience culture. PURO blends local influences with Nordic sensibilities and focuses on creating stays that go beyond comfort. The brand is also expanding outside Poland, with its first international hotels planned for Budapest in 2026 and Prague in 2027.

"These brands are particularly exciting additions to GHA, marking the arrival of our first homegrown Polish and Turkish hotel brands. Each brings a strong sense of place, deep local expertise and a distinctive hospitality culture to our portfolio. This is at the heart of what we want to offer our members: authentic experiences rooted in the destinations they visit, while giving independent brands a global platform to share their unique stories," concludes Hartley.

The addition of The Marmara Hotels and PURO Hotels further expands the choice available to GHA DISCOVERY members while giving both independent brands access to a wider international audience.