Kathmandu, Aug 2026 : The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 616, with hundreds of people still missing, local media reported on Saturday, citing officials. Search and rescue operations continue across several affected districts as authorities race to locate survivors and recover bodies.
According to The Kathmandu Post, police had recovered 233 bodies in Chitwan, 158 in Nawalparasi East, 48 in Gorkha, 47 in Nawalparasi West, 45 in Dhading, 41 in Nuwakot, 31 in Tanahun and 13 in Rasuwa as of 6 a.m. Saturday.
Rescue operations are continuing in areas hit by the massive flooding, with police coordinating with local residents and government agencies to trace missing people and assist those stranded in isolated locations. Survivors rescued from high-risk areas are being moved to safer places as authorities assess the scale of the destruction.
Emergency teams are also working to clear roads blocked by flood debris, landslides and damaged infrastructure. Restoring road connectivity has become a priority as authorities seek to improve access to affected communities and facilitate the movement of relief supplies.
The flash flood that struck Rasuwa on Wednesday originated in the Tibetan region of China before surging through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River. The powerful floodwaters swept through downstream areas, causing extensive destruction and carrying debris and victims into multiple districts.
Bodies have been recovered from riverbanks across areas connected to the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems. These include Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha, Tanahun and both Nawalparasi East and West.
Officials have warned that the death toll could rise further as search teams reach areas that remain difficult to access and continue searching along riverbanks and debris-covered locations.
Meanwhile, the Nepal government has agreed to accept limited international assistance for the rescue and recovery operation. The decision came after the administration initially declined offers of assistance, saying Nepal’s own rescue teams were capable of handling the emergency.
However, according to The Kathmandu Post, the decision was subsequently reconsidered, with authorities agreeing to seek foreign expertise to strengthen ongoing rescue efforts.
Indian nationals are reportedly among those accounting for the largest number of people still missing, according to the latest records of the Nepal Tourism Board. The development has prompted India to intensify its humanitarian assistance and rescue support for Nepal.
India’s third relief flight arrived in Nepal on Friday carrying an 11-member medical and tunnel rescue team along with 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance. The supplies included portable generator sets, dignity kits, food packets and water purification tablets.
The latest assistance follows another major consignment provided by India on Thursday. New Delhi handed over 37.5 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material, including medicines and food packets, to support Nepal’s emergency response.
The assistance is aimed at strengthening Nepal’s rescue and relief capabilities as the Himalayan nation confronts the aftermath of one of its deadliest recent flood disasters.
With hundreds still unaccounted for and several areas difficult to reach, authorities remain engaged in a large-scale search operation. Rescue teams are expected to continue working along the affected river systems while efforts are simultaneously focused on restoring transportation links and delivering essential supplies to communities cut off by the floods.
