Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Nepal Ends Flood Search, Turns to Recovery and Reconstruction
Nepal has ended most of the search and rescue work after floods that began on August 26.
The operation lasted 40 days, but essential work and emergency rescues can still happen.
Officials reported that 1,455 people died, 5,285 are missing and 13,795 were rescued.
Authorities will stop actively searching for bodies, but will collect remains or valuables found during rebuilding work.
The government is now focusing on helping people recover and rebuilding damaged areas.
The floods damaged homes and settlements, farms, roads, bridges and hydroelectric projects.
Temporary accommodation has been arranged for 1,226 affected people.
Officials have cited different recovery funding figures, including nearly $5 billion and a proposed NPR 559.17 billion for 504 plans and programmes.
Nepal ended its 40-day search and rescue operation after the August 26 floods, while allowing essential activities and emergency rescues to continue.
Authorities confirmed 1,455 deaths, 5,285 people missing and 13,795 people rescued.
Officials said active searches for bodies would stop, but remains and valuables found during rehabilitation would be recovered.
Floods damaged 12 hydroelectric projects, roads, bridges, farms and settlements; temporary accommodation was arranged for 1,226 affected people.
Recovery funding figures cited included nearly $5 billion for early recovery and rehabilitation and a proposed NPR 559.17 billion for 504 plans and programmes.
- Who
- The Nepal government, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, and emergency authorities.
- What
- Nepal ended its 40-day search and rescue operation and shifted its focus to rehabilitation and reconstruction.
- When
- The decision was announced on October 5, after floods that began on August 26; the articles do not specify the year.
- Where
- Flood-affected areas of Nepal, including areas affected by the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods.
- Why
- The decision followed recommendations from district and NDRRMA bodies and field inspections; officials said recovery and rebuilding should now be expedited.
- Search and rescue operation
- Concluded after 40 days, except for essential activities; emergency rescues remain possible.
- Reported deaths
- 1,455
- People missing
- 5,285
- People rescued
- 13,795
- Proposed reconstruction budget
- NPR 559.17 billion for 504 plans and programmes.
- Other recovery estimate
- Nearly $5 billion needed for early recovery and rehabilitation.
- Temporary accommodation
- Arranged for 1,226 affected people at holding centres.
