Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Nepal Flood Death Toll Reaches 1,356 as Rescue Continues
A very large flood hit Nepal on August 26 after an ice-and-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border.
Water rushed down the Bhotekoshi River and destroyed homes, roads, bridges and power stations.
Officials reported that 1,356 people had died, while an earlier report gave a toll of 1,355.
Nearly 5,000 people were still missing, and many bodies were difficult to identify.
Rescue teams had saved more than 13,000 people.
Some people may still be trapped inside hydropower tunnels, so teams are continuing to search.
Nepal held a national day of mourning with flags at half-mast.
Other countries, including India and China, sent experts to help.
Families of missing people asked the government for clearer information and stronger search efforts.
Nepal’s reported flood death toll rose to 1,356, although an earlier NDRRMA figure cited 1,355 deaths.
The August 26 floods, reportedly triggered by an ice-rock avalanche, devastated northern and central Nepal and damaged homes, roads, bridges and hydropower projects.
Authorities said 13,396 people had been rescued, while 4,994 remained missing, including at least 589 foreign nationals.
Only 98 recovered bodies had been identified; more than 1,000 unidentified bodies were buried after DNA samples were collected.
Searches continued for 121 people believed trapped in hydropower tunnels, with Nepali, Indian, Chinese and Australian specialists assisting.
- Who
- Flood victims, missing people and displaced communities; Nepali authorities and security agencies; and assisting teams from India, China and Australia.
- What
- Flash floods caused at least 1,356 reported deaths, thousands of missing people, widespread infrastructure damage and continuing rescue, identification and relief operations.
- When
- The disaster began on August 26; Nepal observed a national day of mourning on September 7, the 13th day afterward.
- Where
- Northern and central Nepal, especially along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and other downstream districts.
- Why
- An ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border reportedly triggered flooding that swept downstream and damaged communities and infrastructure.
Families and Accountability Concerns
Official Response and Ongoing Operations
Information about missing people
Families and Accountability Concerns
Families of missing people said they still lacked clear information and urged the government to intensify search efforts.
Official Response and Ongoing Operations
NDRRMA officials said security personnel were operating around the clock, while relief and search operations continued across affected areas.
Priorities after the disaster
Families and Accountability Concerns
President Ramchandra Paudel called for international action on climate justice and urged political parties and citizens to focus on relief rather than confrontation.
Official Response and Ongoing Operations
The government also emphasized recovery and economic continuity, with Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Poudel promoting Nepal as open to visitors through the “Nepal Calling” campaign.
- Latest reported death toll
- 1,356 in Nepal; an earlier NDRRMA report cited 1,355
- People missing
- 4,994, including at least 589 foreign nationals
- People rescued
- 13,396 by ongoing rescue operations
- Body identification
- 98 bodies identified; more than 1,000 unidentified bodies buried after DNA samples were collected
- Tunnel rescue
- 121 people were believed trapped in underground hydropower tunnels
- National mourning
- September 7, with flags flown at half-mast at government offices and Nepali diplomatic missions
- Infrastructure recovery
- A 252-metre temporary track reopened part of the damaged Prithvi Highway in Dhading
