KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – The total number of lives lost from the floods in Nepal and Tibet has risen to at least 919, with 4,793 individuals unaccounted for. In Nepal, the disaster that occurred on August 26 has led to 903 fatalities and 4,247 missing persons. Meanwhile, authorities in Tibet have confirmed 16 deaths and 546 individuals missing in Gyirong County. Rescue teams continue their efforts across mountainous regions, river valleys, and hydropower sites that sustained damage. Updated casualty figures are being released as rescuers access previously unreachable areas and verify reports of missing persons.
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that rescuers have evacuated 10,451 individuals to safety. Of these, 252 are foreign nationals. Authorities also list 592 foreigners among those still missing in Nepal, along with 933 workers associated with hydropower projects along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli corridors. The official count includes 267 injuries, and 156 people have been discharged after receiving medical treatment. Over 20,000 security personnel are actively involved in rescue, recovery, and relief efforts.
The flooding first affected the Bhote Koshi River region in Rasuwa District early on August 26. Rapidly moving waters destroyed homes, roads, bridges, power stations, and other critical infrastructure. The districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha experienced severe impacts as floodwaters swept through interconnected river systems. The disaster also impacted Gyirong County in Tibet near the Nepal border. Both sides have ongoing search operations in communities, valleys, and work sites. Difficult terrain and damaged roads have hindered access to several affected locations.
Hydropower facilities are central to ongoing search efforts
Rescue teams are prioritizing hydropower sites where numerous workers remain unaccounted for. Nepal Army personnel are collaborating with tunnel rescue experts from India, China, and South Korea. Officials estimate that at least 90 individuals are trapped within various hydropower tunnels. Debris, mud, and rocks have obstructed access at multiple locations. Rescue operations involve drilling equipment, ventilation systems, and heavy machinery. Authorities are cross-referencing employment records with reports from project managers and families of missing workers.
Recovery efforts also include identifying bodies carried downstream during the floods. Twenty-one hospitals are currently holding unidentified remains, with officials comparing these to records and relatives’ information. In Chitwan, authorities collected DNA samples and identification details before burying some bodies temporarily. They are continuing to reconcile field reports to eliminate duplicate entries and confirm identities. Search teams are investigating remote settlements where damaged infrastructure has restricted access. Authorities caution that totals may change as identification processes proceed.
Foreign nationals among the thousands still missing in the disaster zone
Foreign citizens represent a notable portion of the missing persons list in Nepal and Tibet. Nepal reports 592 foreign nationals missing after the floods, while Tibetan officials list 261 foreign citizens among the 546 individuals unaccounted for in Gyirong County. These include nationals from Nepal, India, Latvia, the United States, and Britain. Authorities are exchanging identity information while verifying travel records and border movements. Consular representatives are assisting families seeking confirmation about relatives who were present in the affected areas.
Nepal’s government remains focused on rescue, relief, and recovery operations across the impacted regions. Emergency supplies, including food and medical aid, are being distributed to affected communities. Officials are also monitoring rivers and assessing damage to transportation networks, residences, and power infrastructure. Thousands of people continue to be displaced or cut off from essential services. Agencies emphasize the importance of relying on verified casualty figures as reports are reconciled. The latest official figures confirm 919 deaths and 4,793 missing persons across Nepal and Tibet.