Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Nepal Flood Leaves Thousands Missing as Bodies Remain Unidentified
A huge flood hit Nepal after a glacier collapsed.
Mud, rocks and water rushed through mountain areas and hydropower sites.
At least 1,399 people died.
About 5,200 people are still missing, including many foreigners.
Rescuers have found many bodies, but most have not been identified.
Authorities are comparing DNA from bodies with samples from families.
Some people have been rescued from tunnels at hydropower plants.
Difficult mountains, debris and limited airspace are making the search very hard.
About 5,200 people, including 636 foreigners, remain missing after a glacial-collapse flood in Nepal.
At least 1,399 people were killed when mud, rocks and water swept through mountain communities and hydropower sites.
Authorities have identified only 105 recovered bodies and handed them to relatives.
Officials collected DNA samples from 1,206 bodies and 1,889 samples from relatives of missing people.
Thermal drones, helicopters and rescue specialists are supporting searches, but mountainous terrain, narrow airspace and heavy debris are hindering the effort.
- Who
- Nepali authorities, rescue workers and families of missing people are involved; the missing include 636 foreigners.
- What
- A glacial-collapse flood killed at least 1,399 people, left about 5,200 missing and resulted in the recovery of largely unidentified bodies.
- When
- Weeks after the disaster; the report was dated September 16.
- Where
- Mountain communities and hydropower sites in Nepal.
- Why
- A glacial collapse unleashed mud, rocks and water; searches are difficult because of mountainous terrain, narrow airspace and extensive debris.
- Missing people
- About 5,200, including 636 foreigners
- Reported deaths
- At least 1,399
- Bodies identified
- 105 bodies identified and handed to families
- DNA samples from bodies
- 1,206
- DNA samples from relatives
- 1,889
- Search resources
- Thermal drones, helicopters and specialists
- Main search challenges
- Narrow airspace, mountainous terrain and deposited debris