The death toll from Nepal’s devastating flash floods has climbed to 1,127, while 4,858 people remain missing, according to Nepal Police. Search and rescue teams are continuing operations in the worst-affected districts, although officials have warned that the chances of finding survivors are declining. The disaster has left thousands displaced and caused extensive damage to homes, roads and infrastructure across the Himalayan nation.
Which Areas Have Reported The Most Deaths?
Nepal Police said the highest number of recovered bodies came from Chitwan, Nawalparasi East, Nawalparasi West and Nuwakot. Authorities have completed postmortem and identification procedures for 1,113 bodies, while 95 bodies have been released to their families. Details of 911 unidentified victims have also been published by Nepal Police to help relatives establish their identities.
Security forces have rescued 6,541 people so far, with nearly 8,000 police personnel involved in rescue, relief and body-recovery operations.
Hopes Of Finding Survivors Fade
Rescue teams are continuing to search areas buried beneath huge amounts of debris, including tunnels at several hydropower facilities. Army officials said 279 people have been rescued from damaged hydropower projects, while at least 639 remain unaccounted for. Some of those missing are believed to be trapped inside tunnels. Officials have cautioned that the possibility of finding survivors is diminishing as more time passes following the disaster.
Nepal Turns Towards Rehabilitation
With immediate rescue operations continuing, the government has also started preparing for a longer rehabilitation and reconstruction phase. Prime Minister Balendra Shah said authorities were focusing on protecting affected communities while providing medical assistance and psychological support.
A preliminary estimate by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) put the volume of debris generated by the disaster at around 2.2 million tonnes, consisting of collapsed structures, rocks and sediment. The scale of debris is expected to pose a major challenge as communities attempt to reopen roads, clear homes and restore essential infrastructure.
UN Warns Of Health Risks
The United Nations has raised concerns over public health conditions in temporary shelters, particularly because of contaminated water, overcrowding and damage to healthcare facilities. Around 3,500 people are staying at 27 displacement sites across the badly affected Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts. Authorities have increased disease surveillance and response measures amid concerns that poor sanitation and the monsoon conditions could trigger outbreaks.
Search Operations Continue Near Nepal-Tibet Border
The disaster also affected areas across the border in Tibet, where authorities have reported 16 deaths and 546 people missing. Rescue efforts there have been complicated by heavy rain, unstable cliffs and difficult mountainous terrain. Authorities have also been monitoring upstream lakes that could create additional flood risks.
Heavy machinery and rescue equipment have now reached the affected border area, with teams using excavators to search through debris. The flash floods struck northern and central Nepal on August 26, after ice and rock collapsed near the Nepal-Tibet border. The resulting surge of water and debris devastated settlements and infrastructure across several areas.
Also Read: Nepal-Tibet Flash Floods Latest News: Gyirong Highway Reopens After Deadly Disaster as 119 Rescued
