The death toll from the devastating flash floods that swept across parts of Nepal has risen to 1,385, with rescue agencies continuing their efforts to locate more than 5,000 people still reported missing after the massive disaster. Authorities have been recovering bodies from several affected districts as security forces remain engaged in an extensive search and rescue operation.
The floods struck Nepal on August 26 after an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border triggered a huge surge of water, mud and debris. The resulting deluge travelled downstream, severely affecting settlements in northern and central parts of the country and causing extensive destruction to homes, roads, bridges, vehicles and hydropower infrastructure.
According to figures released by Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Chitwan has recorded the highest number of deaths, with 364 bodies recovered so far. Nawalparasi East has reported 228 deaths, while 222 bodies have been recovered from Nawalparasi West. Nuwakot has recorded 199 deaths, followed by Rasuwa with 185, Gorkha with 77, Dhading with 70 and Tanahu with 38.
Two other victims succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment in Kathmandu, adding to the overall death toll.
The scale of the disaster has left thousands unaccounted for, with authorities estimating that 5,130 people remain missing. Rescue personnel from security agencies have continued operations across the affected regions, working in difficult conditions to reach isolated settlements and areas covered by mud and debris. Officials said 13,676 people have so far been rescued from different parts of the country.
The disaster has also affected Nepalese citizens who were in neighbouring China when the floods struck. At least 703 Nepalese nationals stranded in China have since returned to Nepal through the Tatopani border point in Sindhupalchok, according to reports published by Rising Nepal. The group included 498 men and 205 women.
Many of those who returned had been living in China for employment. They travelled back through Keyrung and the Tatopani crossing after the floods caused widespread destruction and loss of life in the Keyrung and Rasuwa areas.
The Bhotekoshi River played a major role in carrying the floodwaters from the Himalayan border region into downstream areas. The powerful flow swept away houses, vehicles, bridges and sections of roads, while several hydropower installations were also damaged in the disaster.
The impact was not confined to Nepal. The disaster also affected areas on the Chinese side of the border, with Chinese media reporting at least 43 deaths and more than 500 people still missing in Tibet.
The large number of people still unaccounted for has kept rescue and recovery operations active more than two weeks after the initial disaster. Search teams have been working across multiple districts as authorities attempt to recover additional bodies and establish the whereabouts of those reported missing.
The catastrophe has emerged as one of the most severe natural disasters to hit Nepal in recent years, with the destruction extending across communities and critical infrastructure. The damage to roads and bridges has complicated access to several affected areas, while the destruction of hydropower facilities has added to concerns over infrastructure and economic losses.
With thousands still missing, authorities are continuing to focus on search operations while simultaneously dealing with the humanitarian needs of survivors and displaced communities. The recovery process is expected to remain a major challenge as Nepal assesses the full extent of the destruction caused by the floods and the accompanying mudslides.
