Nepal Flash Flood Death Toll Rises to 1,344: Recovery Efforts Ongoing

The death toll from Nepal’s devastating flash floods has surged to 1,344 as rescue teams work tirelessly to recover more bodies from the worst-affected areas. Nearly 4,900 people remain unaccounted for, according to officials from Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

Triggered by a catastrophic ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, the flooding unleashed massive torrents into the Bhotekoshi River, wreaking havoc across northern and central Nepal. The relentless waters swept away homes, roads, and essential infrastructure, significantly damaging several hydropower projects.

Rescue efforts have yielded more than 13,000 people saved from flood-affected regions, but challenging conditions and extensive damage have hampered operations. Among the recovered bodies, officials reported 758 adults and 85 children, with over 500 bodies found in a state of dismemberment owing to prolonged exposure to water and debris.

In a sign of the ongoing tragedy, authorities have temporarily buried 1,030 bodies after conducting necessary procedures including DNA collections. The Chitwan district accounts for the highest recovery rate, with around 360 bodies found there alone. Recoveries have also been reported from Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun, Nawalparasi East, and Nawalparasi West.

Tragically, the missing totals also include more than 600 children primarily from Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. In response to the disaster, authorities are closely monitoring water levels in major rivers like the Koshi, Narayani, and Bagmati, among others, to prevent additional flooding.

Joint rescue missions, led by the Nepal Army, are in their 11th consecutive day. They emphasize the urgency of rescuing workers trapped in hydropower facilities, particularly those believed to be inside tunnels. Notably, on Friday, the Nepal Army rescued two workers from the Trishuli 3A hydropower project’s tunnel, identified as Kabir Maharjan, aged 45, and Sanjay Sah, aged 30.

Furthermore, an Indian search-and-rescue team has established a provisional track within the Chilime tunnel in Rasuwa district to facilitate access for heavier rescue equipment. Their expertise, along with support from Chinese experts, is significantly enhancing ongoing relief operations.

The devastating floods have also crossed borders, claiming at least 21 lives on the Chinese side, with reports indicating over 500 individuals missing in Tibet as well.

As search and rescue operations persist, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring rising river levels and continuing the recovery efforts across the most devastated areas of Nepal.