KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – Floodwaters across Nepal and Tibet have resulted in at least 919 fatalities, with 4,793 individuals still unaccounted for following the disaster on August 26. Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that the death toll in Nepal rose to 903, with 4,247 people missing on Monday. In Gyirong County, Tibetan officials reported 16 deaths and 546 missing persons. The total numbers increased significantly from weekend figures as rescue teams reached more flood-affected regions and updated records of missing persons.
The Nepalese authorities stated rescue teams have evacuated 10,451 individuals to safety, including 252 foreigners. Among those still missing are 592 foreigners and 933 workers involved in hydropower projects along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli routes. Officials recorded 267 injured people, while 156 have left medical care after treatment. Nepal has mobilized over 20,000 security personnel to carry out search, rescue, and relief efforts in affected districts. Helicopters are transporting survivors and supplies between isolated communities as well.
The flood struck the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa District early on August 26. It swept through settlements along the riverbank, damaging homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities, and other vital infrastructure. Authorities explained that Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha experienced major impacts as floodwaters traveled through interconnected river systems. The disaster also affected Gyirong County in Tibet, where rescue teams continue to search mountain valleys and border areas. Investigations are ongoing to determine what caused the flood.
Teams prioritize missing workers and remote locations
Rescue efforts focus mainly on hydropower sites where many workers remain unaccounted for. The Nepal Army is working with tunnel rescue experts from India, China, and South Korea at several locations. Authorities say at least 90 people are trapped in multiple hydropower tunnels blocked by mud, rocks, and debris. Rescuers are using drills, ventilation systems, and heavy machinery to access these areas, despite unstable ground and damaged routes. Efforts continue to verify worker lists as project operators and families report missing staff.
Recovery teams are also managing numerous unidentified bodies carried downstream. Twenty-one hospitals hold unidentified remains while officials compare records and seek relatives’ assistance. In Chitwan, DNA samples and details are being collected before some bodies are temporarily buried. The disaster authority noted that recovery figures may change as teams identify bodies and eliminate duplicates or incomplete reports. Search crews are also inspecting isolated communities where damaged roads and bridges hinder access.
Foreign nationals among the missing remain significant
Foreign nationals continue to be a notable part of the missing persons list on both sides of the border. Nepal reports 592 foreigners missing, while Tibetan officials list 261 foreign nationals among the 546 unaccounted-for individuals. The Tibetan list includes citizens from Nepal, India, Latvia, the United States, and Britain, among others. Authorities in Kathmandu and Tibet are coordinating identity verification and cross-border information sharing for those who crossed before the flood. Consular teams are assisting families in confirming names and locations.
Nepal’s government emphasizes that search, rescue, relief, and recovery remain top priorities. They continue to monitor rivers and downstream flood risks. Emergency supplies such as food and medical aid are being delivered. The flood has displaced many residents and caused severe damage to transportation and power infrastructure. Officials urge the public to rely on verified casualty and missing-person figures as agencies reconcile reports. As of Monday, Nepal and Tibet together confirmed 919 deaths and 4,793 missing persons.