Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises to 1,344 as 5,000 Remain Missing

Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises to 1,344 as 5,000 Remain Missing

Nepal’s devastating flash floods have claimed at least 1,344 lives, while around 5,000 people remain missing as rescue operations continue across the country.

More than 13,000 people have been rescued, with teams still searching flooded communities and hydropower tunnels for survivors.

The disaster began on August 26 after an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border triggered massive flooding along the Bhotekoshi River. Homes, vehicles, roads, bridges and hydropower facilities were swept away.

Among the latest survivors was 60-year-old Chandika Shrestha, who was rescued after spending 10 days trapped inside a mud-covered house in Nuwakot.

Authorities say identifying the dead has become a major challenge. Many bodies have been badly damaged by prolonged exposure to water, mud and debris, with some recovered only as partial remains.

Officials are relying heavily on DNA testing, fingerprints and dental records to identify victims. So far, 1,030 bodies have been temporarily buried after forensic procedures, while only 96 have been formally handed over to families.

Rescue operations are also continuing at hydropower projects, where hundreds of workers are feared trapped inside tunnels. Teams from India and China are assisting Nepali authorities.

Three people have been rescued from hydropower tunnels since Friday, including two Nepali workers and one Chinese national.

As the disaster enters its 11th day, Nepal faces a massive humanitarian challenge, with rescuers still searching for missing people while authorities begin the difficult task of identification, recovery and long-term rehabilitation.