Nepal Flood Tragedy: Death Toll Reaches 1,259, More Than 5,000 Still Missing

Nepal’s devastating Bhote Koshi floods have left a massive trail of destruction, with 1,259 people confirmed dead and 5,083 still missing as authorities intensify search and rescue operations across the affected regions.

According to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), updated at 7 PM on September 3, the disaster has also injured 5,384 people, while 12,038 have been rescued. More than 21,000 security personnel have been deployed for rescue, recovery and relief operations.

Over 5,000 Remain Missing

The latest figures show 2,130 people missing in Rasuwa and 2,340 in Nuwakot. Another 583 foreigners are listed among those unaccounted for.

Search teams are continuing operations in villages, forests, river stretches, roads and damaged infrastructure as they look for survivors and recover bodies.

Chitwan Records Highest Number Of Recoveries

A total of 1,259 bodies have been recovered from the flood-hit districts. The breakdown is:

Chitwan: 355
Nawalparasi East: 218
Nawalparasi West: 212
Nuwakot: 177
Rasuwa: 127
Gorkha: 72
Dhading: 60
Tanahun: 38

Authorities have handed over 95 bodies to their families, while officials said the death toll could change as recovery operations continue.

• Over 12,000 People Rescued
• Rescue agencies have so far brought 12,038 people to safety.

The Nepal Army has rescued 4,126 people, while air evacuations have helped move 3,926 people, including 273 foreigners. Another 200 people have been rescued through land operations, with the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force also conducting extensive rescue missions.

The Nepal Army has carried out 785 helicopter sorties, including 95 on Thursday. Private helicopters have undertaken another 129 flights from Kathmandu.

More Than 21,000 Personnel In Rescue Operations

A total of 21,402 security personnel have been mobilised:

• Nepal Army: 9,287
• Nepal Police: 7,912
• Armed Police Force: 4,203

The teams are searching for missing people, evacuating survivors, recovering bodies and transporting essential supplies.

Relief And Essential Services Being Restored

Relief efforts are continuing across isolated communities. Authorities have dispatched 69 trucks and 38 Boleros carrying food and other supplies, while helicopters are also being used to deliver assistance.

Fuel stocks currently include around 40,000 litres of diesel, 22,000 litres of petrol and 18,000 litres of aviation fuel.

Communication networks are gradually being restored, with 110 damaged towers back in operation. Of 78 damaged Ncell towers, 75 have reportedly been restored.

Thousands Still In Temporary Centres

Around 3,844 displaced people remain in temporary holding centres. Nuwakot is sheltering 2,981 people, followed by Rasuwa with 603 and Dhading with 260.

India Expands Rescue And Humanitarian Assistance

India has stepped up its response, sending an 11-member specialised rescue team equipped with advanced equipment to the Trishuli Bazaar area. The team is expected to begin operations from Friday in coordination with the Nepali Army, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The fifth Indian Air Force flight carrying humanitarian assistance also reached Kathmandu on Thursday. It delivered around 5.5 tonnes of medical supplies, including antibiotics, painkillers, surgical equipment and other essential medicines.

The aircraft additionally transported the 11-member rescue team and more than six tonnes of specialised rescue equipment.

With the latest consignment, India’s total relief assistance to Nepal has reached approximately 74 tonnes, the MEA said.