KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – Nepal and Tibet continue to grapple with the aftermath of devastating floods, which have resulted in at least 919 deaths and left 4,793 people unaccounted for. In Nepal, the disaster that unfolded after August 26 has been confirmed to have caused 903 fatalities and rendered 4,247 individuals missing. Meanwhile, in Gyirong County, Tibetan officials have verified 16 deaths and identified 546 individuals as missing. Search operations persist across mountainous regions, river valleys, and hydropower facilities affected by the floods. As rescue teams access previously unreachable areas, casualty figures are being updated and missing-person reports verified.
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has reported that rescue efforts have successfully brought 10,451 people to safety. Of these, 252 are foreign nationals. The authorities list 592 foreigners still missing in Nepal and have also documented 933 missing workers associated with hydropower projects along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli corridors. A total of 267 individuals have sustained injuries, while 156 have been discharged after receiving medical treatment. Over 20,000 security personnel are engaged in rescue, recovery, and relief activities to support affected communities.
The flooding initially struck the Bhote Koshi River region in Rasuwa District early on August 26. Rapidly flowing waters caused destruction to homes, roads, bridges, power stations, and infrastructure. Major impacts were felt in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha as the floodwaters traversed connected river systems. The disaster also affected Gyirong County in Tibet, near Nepal’s border. Rescue teams operating on both sides continue their efforts to search communities, valleys, and work sites, though damaged roads and rugged terrain have hampered access to several locations.
Search efforts remain focused on hydropower installations
Rescue teams are prioritizing hydropower sites where a large number of workers are still unaccounted for. Nepal Army personnel collaborate with tunnel rescue specialists from India, China, and South Korea. Officials estimate that at least 90 individuals remain trapped inside various hydropower tunnels. Debris, rocks, and mud have obstructed entry at multiple locations. During the rescue operations, teams have employed drilling tools, ventilation systems, and heavy machinery. Authorities continue cross-referencing employment records with reports from project operators and families of missing workers.
Efforts are also underway to identify bodies carried downstream during the floods. Twenty-one hospitals are housing unidentified remains, with officials comparing records and collecting DNA samples from relatives. In Chitwan, authorities gathered DNA data before temporarily burying some victims. Ongoing efforts aim to reconcile field reports, eliminate duplicate records, and confirm identities. Search units are also inspecting remote settlements where damaged bridges and roads limit access. Authorities caution that casualty figures may change as identification processes proceed.
Foreign nationals remain among the missing
Foreign citizens make up a notable portion of the missing persons list in Nepal and Tibet. Nepal reports 592 foreign nationals missing following the floods, while Tibetan officials list 261 foreign citizens among the 546 people unaccounted for in Gyirong County. The missing include nationals from Nepal, India, Latvia, the United States, and Britain. Authorities are sharing identity data as they verify travel histories and border movements. Diplomatic representatives are actively assisting families in confirming the whereabouts of relatives who were in the affected zones.
Nepal’s government continues to prioritize rescue, relief, and recovery efforts across the affected region. Emergency supplies including food and medical aid are being delivered to displaced populations. Authorities are monitoring river conditions and assessing damage to transportation links, residences, and power infrastructure. Thousands remain displaced or cut off from essential services. Officials urge caution in relying solely on preliminary reports, emphasizing that the official death toll stands at 919 with 4,793 individuals still missing across Nepal and Tibet.