Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Nepal Flood Death Toll Reaches 1,344 as Searches Continue
A huge flood hit Nepal after ice and rocks fell near the Nepal-Tibet border.
The floodwater rushed down the Bhotekoshi River and destroyed homes, roads, bridges and power projects.
Officials say 1,344 people have died.
About 4,898 people are still missing, including more than 600 children.
Rescue teams have saved more than 13,000 people.
Some workers may still be trapped in tunnels at hydropower projects.
Teams from Nepal, India and China are searching for them.
DNA tests are helping families learn whether unidentified bodies belong to their missing relatives.
Nepal’s August 26 flash floods killed 1,344 people, including 758 adults, 85 children and 501 bodies with missing parts.
Authorities estimate 4,898 people remain missing, including more than 600 children in Rasuwa and Nuwakot.
An ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border sent floodwaters down the Bhotekoshi River, destroying homes, roads, bridges and hydropower projects.
More than 13,000 people have been rescued, while Nepal Army-led teams continue operations for an 11th day with support from India and China.
Rescuers recovered two men alive from the Trishuli 3A tunnel and are using DNA testing to identify unidentified bodies.
- Who
- Residents of affected Nepali districts, Nepal Army-led rescue teams, and assisting teams from India and China.
- What
- Flash floods killed 1,344 people, left 4,898 missing and caused widespread destruction and ongoing rescue operations.
- When
- The disaster began on August 26, 2026; rescue operations were continuing for an 11th day on September 5.
- Where
- Northern and central Nepal, including Chitwan, Rasuwa and Nuwakot; flooding also affected Tibet on the Chinese side of the border.
- Why
- An ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border triggered floodwaters in the Bhotekoshi River.
- Reported deaths
- 1,344 in Nepal: 758 adults, 85 children and 501 bodies with missing parts
- People missing
- 4,898, including more than 600 children in Rasuwa and Nuwakot
- People rescued
- More than 13,000
- Bodies temporarily buried
- 1,030 after DNA collection and other required procedures
- Highest body recoveries
- About 360 bodies were recovered in Chitwan district
- Hydropower rescue effort
- At least 900 workers were reported missing from a dozen projects, with about 500 believed trapped in tunnels
- Identification efforts
- Nepal Police collected 2,272 DNA samples and uploaded details of 1,270 unidentified bodies
