Nepal flood death toll rises to 626 as thousands remain missing

KATHMANDU: Nepal is facing a devastating humanitarian crisis after catastrophic flash floods near the China border killed at least 626 people, while thousands remain unaccounted for as rescuers race against time to find survivors.

The disaster struck the Bhote Koshi River area on August 26, causing widespread destruction across border communities and damaging homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure. Nepal’s authorities have mobilised security forces, disaster-management teams and local agencies for rescue, evacuation and relief operations.

The scale of the tragedy has been particularly alarming because the affected region is frequented by tourists, pilgrims and foreign workers. Nepal’s Foreign Ministry said in its latest update that 538 bodies had been recovered by August 28, while 511 of 632 identified foreign nationals remained missing at that point.

The latest reports indicate the overall death toll has since reached 626, while more than 2,000 people remain missing. Rescuers have already brought thousands of people to safety, but difficult terrain, unstable conditions and damaged infrastructure are hampering efforts.

Hundreds of foreigners unaccounted for

The disaster has triggered an international search for missing tourists and pilgrims.

Nepal’s official figures listed missing nationals from more than 30 countries, including India, China, the United States, Canada, Malaysia, Ukraine, Australia and the United Kingdom. The figures are continuing to change as authorities verify reports and identify survivors.

India has reported a particularly large number of missing citizens. Its Ministry of External Affairs said 320 Indians were still missing or uncontactable following the floods, while more than 100 people of Indian origin were also reported missing.

Nepal has also rescued foreign nationals from the affected areas, while authorities continue coordinating with neighbouring countries over missing-person lists and relief efforts.

Fear of more flooding

The disaster was linked to a catastrophic event in the Himalayan region that created a new lake and raised fears of further flooding downstream. Authorities are continuing to monitor river levels and unstable areas for additional threats.

The flooding has also caused major damage to transportation and energy infrastructure, leaving some communities difficult to reach.

Nepal’s government says its immediate priority is saving lives, locating missing people and providing emergency assistance. International partners have offered help, but Kathmandu has indicated that it particularly needs specialised technical assistance, including tunnel rescue expertise, DNA identification, body preservation equipment and Bailey bridges.

As rescue teams continue searching through mud and debris, families across Nepal and abroad are waiting anxiously for news of loved ones. The disaster has already emerged as one of the country’s most severe recent natural catastrophes, with the full scale of the destruction still being assessed.