KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – In recent reports, the death toll from flooding across Nepal and Tibet has surpassed 919, with 4,793 individuals still unaccounted for. Nepal has documented 903 fatalities and 4,247 missing persons following the disaster on August 26. Meanwhile, authorities in Tibet have confirmed 16 deaths and 546 missing residents in Gyirong County. Rescue teams remain active in rugged mountain regions, river valleys, and hydropower facilities damaged by the floods. Casualty figures are being updated as teams access previously unreachable areas and verify reports of missing persons.
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority stated that rescuers have safely evacuated 10,451 individuals. The total includes 252 foreign nationals. Officials report that 592 foreigners remain missing in Nepal. Additionally, 933 workers associated with hydropower projects along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli corridors are listed as missing. The authorities have recorded 267 injuries, with 156 people having been discharged after receiving medical treatment. Over 20,000 security personnel are involved in ongoing rescue, recovery, and relief efforts.
The initial flooding event occurred early on August 26 in the Bhote Koshi River region within Rasuwa District. Rapidly flowing water caused extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, power stations, and other critical infrastructure. Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha districts experienced severe impacts as floodwaters moved through connected river systems. The disaster also affected Gyirong County in Tibet near Nepal’s border. Both sides’ rescue teams have persistently searched communities, valleys, and work sites. Difficult terrain and damaged roads have hindered access to some of the most affected locations.
Hydropower facilities remain a key focus in rescue efforts
Rescue operations are heavily concentrated around hydropower installations where many workers remain unaccounted for. Nepal Army personnel are collaborating with tunnel rescue experts from India, China, and South Korea. Authorities estimate that at least 90 individuals are trapped inside several hydropower tunnels. Debris, mud, and rocks have obstructed entry at multiple sites. During the operation, rescue teams have employed drilling equipment, ventilation systems, and heavy machinery. Officials are cross-checking employment records with reports from project operators and families of missing workers.
In addition, recovery teams are working to identify bodies carried downstream by the floodwaters. Currently, 21 hospitals are housing unidentified remains, while authorities compare records and relatives’ information. In Chitwan, DNA samples and other identifying details were collected before some bodies were temporarily buried. Ongoing efforts include reconciling field reports to eliminate duplicates and confirm identities. Search teams are also examining isolated communities where access remains difficult due to damaged bridges and roads. Officials caution that casualty totals may evolve as verification progresses.
Foreign nationals still among the thousands reported missing
Foreign citizens constitute a considerable portion of the missing persons list in Nepal and Tibet. Nepal reports 592 foreign nationals missing after the floods, while Tibetan authorities confirm 261 foreign citizens among Gyirong County’s 546 missing. These include nationals from Nepal, India, Latvia, the United States, and Britain. Officials are exchanging information on identities as they verify travel records and border movements. Additionally, consular representatives are assisting families seeking confirmation about relatives who were in the disaster-affected area.
Nepal’s government continues to prioritize search, rescue, relief, and recovery operations across the impacted regions. Relief efforts involve delivering food, medical supplies, and emergency support to affected communities. Monitoring of river conditions and assessments of damage to transportation, residences, and power infrastructure are ongoing. Thousands remain displaced or cut off from essential services. Authorities emphasize the importance of relying on verified casualty figures as agencies work to confirm reports. The latest official counts indicate 919 deaths and 4,793 missing persons across Nepal and Tibet.