Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Nepal Floods: Forensic Team Arrives as 788 Bodies Recovered
Severe floods and landslides have badly damaged parts of Nepal.
Many people have died, and hundreds of bodies still need to be identified.
India sent a team of experts to Kathmandu to use DNA testing to identify victims.
Rescue workers and soldiers are searching damaged areas, including tunnels near hydropower projects.
Thousands of people have already been rescued by land and by helicopter.
Many families are visiting hospitals to ask about missing relatives.
Roads, homes, bridges, and other facilities have been damaged.
A major highway to Kathmandu was cut off by another landslide.
Nepal is sending food, fuel, medical help, and money to communities that are difficult to reach.
A 19-member Indian forensic team began DNA analysis in Kathmandu to help identify victims of Nepal’s flash floods.
Nepal Police said 788 bodies had been recovered by 3 p.m. Sunday, while 2,502 people remained missing.
Nearly 20,000 security personnel have rescued 8,730 people, with helicopters airlifting 3,081 others.
India said 149 Indian nationals were rescued in Nepal, while 403 crossed into Nepal from China and 500 remained safe on the Chinese side.
A landslide severed the Prithvi Highway in Dhading, disrupting a major route between Kathmandu and the rest of Nepal.
- Who
- Nepalese authorities, rescue forces, affected residents, and an Indian 19-member forensic team are involved; thousands of people are dead, missing, injured, or rescued.
- What
- Catastrophic flash floods and landslides have caused widespread deaths, displacement, infrastructure damage, and ongoing search-and-rescue operations.
- When
- The latest figures and operations were reported on Sunday, with the body count recorded at 3 p.m. and missing-person data at 1 p.m.
- Where
- Affected areas across Nepal, including Kathmandu, Dhading, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Gorkha, Nuwakot, Tanahun, Rasuwa, Chilime, and Langtang.
- Why
- Rescue and identification efforts are continuing because floods and landslides destroyed homes and infrastructure and left thousands missing.
- Bodies recovered
- 788, according to Nepal Police as of 3 p.m. Sunday.
- People missing
- 2,502, according to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority as of 1 p.m.
- Indian forensic assistance
- A 19-member team began DNA sample analysis in Kathmandu.
- Ground rescues
- Security forces reported 8,730 rescues.
- Helicopter operations
- 363 flights airlifted 3,081 people, including 236 foreigners.
- Hospital casualties
- Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital received 56 injured patients and 59 deceased bodies; eight bodies were identified and handed over for cremation.
- Highway disruption
- The Prithvi Highway was completely disconnected in Dhading after a landslide and road collapse.