Kathmandu: The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 626, while more than 1,900 people remain missing as search, rescue, and relief operations continue across the Himalayan nation.
The floods, which struck on Wednesday, caused widespread destruction, washing away homes, vehicles, roads, and bridges and damaging hydropower projects.
More than 2,300 people have been injured, according to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
Authorities have mobilized 15,431 security personnel for rescue and relief operations, including 6,755 Nepal Army personnel, 4,473 Nepal Police personnel, and 4,203 Armed Police Force personnel.
Rescue teams have brought 4,451 people to safety so far, including 191 people rescued from a hydropower tunnel and 517 people evacuated by air on Friday. A total of 129 foreign nationals have also been rescued.
Chitwan recorded the highest number of recovered bodies at 233, followed by Nawalparasi East with 154, Gorkha with 46, Dhading with 40, Nuwakot with 37, and Tanahun with 30. Nawalparasi West reported 27 deaths and Rasuwa 12.
WHO is on the ground in #Nepal, responding to the devastating flash floods delivering emergency care, and supplies where they are needed most. pic.twitter.com/txf1FBKmyg
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) August 29, 2026
The missing list currently stands at 1,924 people and includes workers from hydropower projects, foreign nationals, civilians, and security and government personnel. As many as 933 people from hydropower projects and 517 foreign nationals are reported missing.
Meanwhile, more than Rs 2.295 billion has been donated to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund since the floods struck. The fund’s balance has risen to Rs 4.09 billion from Rs 2.17 billion.
The government said that Rs 1.91 billion was received within 36 hours from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday midnight, while a further Rs 385.5 million was contributed on Friday.
The Ministry of Finance has been designated as the focal ministry for collecting donations and coordinating assistance. Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his cabinet members will also contribute one month’s salary to the relief fund following a cabinet decision on Friday.
