Nepal Flash Floods Death Toll Rises to 626, Over 2,400 Missing

The death toll from catastrophic flash floods in Nepal has risen to 626, with nearly 2,500 people still missing as rescue teams race to locate survivors and recover victims. The disaster began Wednesday (August 26, 2026) when a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border triggered an ice-rock avalanche, sending a massive wall of water, mud, and debris cascading through central Nepal. The Bhotekoshi River swelled dangerously, destroying homes, bridges, roads, and hydropower projects while isolating communities.

Rescue operations intensified on Saturday (August 29, 2026), with more than 11,000 security personnel deployed, including over 5,000 Nepal Army soldiers. An 11-member Indian rescue team, consisting of medical professionals and tunnel specialists, arrived to support local efforts. According to the Nepal Army, 2,465 people have been evacuated so far, including 163 foreigners from India, China, South Korea, Germany, Italy, the U.S., and Oman. Over 190 hydropower workers were rescued from tunnels in Trishuli and Rasuwa, with most evacuations conducted by helicopter.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) warned of potential secondary flooding as water levels in the Bhotekoshi River continued to rise. Emergency health centers in Dhunche and Trishuli have treated 1,706 people, while hospitals remain overwhelmed with patients and anxious relatives searching for missing loved ones.

Critical infrastructure remains disrupted, though the Mugling-Kathmandu highway, a vital lifeline to the capital, reopened on Saturday after days of closure due to flood and landslide risks. Several other national highways and major roads in central Nepal remain blocked, complicating relief efforts.

Across the border, seven fatalities were reported in Tibet, according to China’s emergency management authorities.

As search and rescue efforts press on, authorities continue to urge caution due to the unstable conditions and the threat of further flooding.

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