Nepal Flash Flood Death Toll Climbs to 1,344; 4,900 Missing
The death toll from Nepal’s catastrophic flash floods has risen to 1,344 with nearly 4,900 still unaccounted for. Rescue operations are ongoing in affected districts as the nation mourns its losses.
YT News
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The recent flash floods in Nepal have resulted in a devastating death toll of 1,344, while nearly 4,900 individuals remain missing. Occurring on August 26, the floods have sparked a massive humanitarian crisis as rescue operations continue across the nation.
Officials from Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority confirmed the rising count on Saturday, noting that over 13,000 people have been rescued from the flood-stricken regions. The floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, unleashed an unprecedented surge of water into the Bhotekoshi River and its downstream areas.
This natural disaster has obliterated homes, swept away vehicles, and destroyed vital infrastructure including roads and bridges. Many hydropower projects in northern and central Nepal have also faced significant damage.
As of now, the floods have claimed the lives of 758 adults and 85 children among the identified deceased. Furthermore, 501 bodies were recovered with various parts missing, indicating the severe condition in which many were found after prolonged exposure to water and debris weight.
In line with established procedures, authorities have temporarily buried 1,030 bodies after collecting necessary DNA samples for identification purposes. Chitwan district has reported the highest recoveries, recovering approximately 360 bodies. Additional bodies have also been discovered in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun, Nawalparasi East, and Nawalparasi West.
Authorities confirmed that among the missing individuals, over 600 are children, particularly from the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. In response, officials are actively monitoring the water levels in several major rivers including Koshi, Narayani, Bagmati, Karnali, Mahakali, Kankai, Kamal, Kamala, Babai, Eastern Rapti and Western Rapti.
The Nepal Army has spearheaded joint rescue operations for the 11th consecutive day, primarily focusing on hydropower sites where numerous workers remain feared trapped within tunnels. Recent rescue efforts yielded the remarkable recovery of two individuals from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project: Kabir Maharjan, 45, a mechanical supervisor, and Sanjay Sah, 30, a foreman.
In a pivotal development, an Indian rescue team collaborated with the Nepal Army to create a temporary track inside the Chilime tunnel in Rasuwa district. This advancement enables heavier rescue equipment to access affected areas, amplifying the efforts to reach those trapped.
The catastrophic floods have also extended their tragedies across borders, claiming at least 21 lives on the Chinese side, with over 500 individuals reported missing in Tibet, as documented by local media sources.
Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities recover more bodies and keep a vigilant eye on rising river levels, pressing ahead with rescue strategies in some of the hardest-hit regions.
