KATHMANDU / RankWire.AI / – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority in Nepal has increased the number of individuals reported missing due to the August 26 floods to 6,150. This revised figure represents an increase of 971 from the previous count of 5,179. Officials explained that updated data from affected districts, after verification, contributed to the rise. Since the disaster, authorities have recovered a total of 1,403 bodies. The floods and debris flows inflicted widespread destruction across northern Nepal, especially near the border with China.
To date, 105 of the recovered bodies have been officially identified, with forensic teams working on the remaining cases. The government’s latest data includes 3,175 DNA samples collected during the identification process, comprising 1,286 samples from the deceased and 1,889 from relatives of missing persons. Since the calamity, rescue teams have saved 13,742 individuals. Additionally, 587 foreign nationals remain among those still listed as missing, highlighting the international scope of the ongoing search and identification efforts.
Records specify 2,679 missing individuals linked to Rasuwa and 1,787 linked to Nuwakot, both districts falling within the broader affected region. The disaster caused significant damage to settlements, roads, and infrastructure throughout the mountainous zone. Search operations continue through river corridors, damaged communities, and sites connected to major hydropower projects. Authorities are also cross-referencing local records with family reports as they work to update the national missing persons list.
Rescue and Identification Operations Persist
The tragedy was triggered by a collapse of ice and rock on Mount Langtang Lirung, which initiated a powerful debris flow that entered the Bhotekoshi river system, moving through valleys and communities downstream. Rasuwa experienced the greatest impact due to its proximity to the Nepal-China border and the flood pathway. Other districts affected include Nuwakot, Dhading, and several regions further downstream. The event also caused extensive infrastructure disruptions and left thousands in need of rescue or emergency aid.
Official reports indicate that helicopters have conducted 1,923 rescue flights, supporting ongoing operations. Authorities have established 29 relief centers for displaced and affected populations, with 2,096 individuals currently housed there. Nepal Police has been actively involved in search, rescue, relief activities, and community outreach programs in affected zones. Rescue teams continue working in challenging mountainous terrain while forensic experts process DNA samples to confirm identities of recovered victims.
Verification of Data Leads to Higher Missing Person Count
Following a thorough collection and validation process from affected districts, officials revised the missing person tally from 5,179 to 6,150, adding 971 individuals to the official count. Authorities are distinguishing between missing persons and confirmed fatalities, with forensic teams matching DNA from recovered bodies to relatives’ samples. This process is vital, as only 105 of the 1,403 bodies recovered have been formally identified in the latest official update.
The flood’s impact extended into China, where officials reported 43 deaths and 519 missing persons. These figures combine to a total of 1,446 confirmed deaths and at least 6,669 missing individuals across both countries. In Nepal, the latest verified counts stand at 6,150 missing and 1,403 bodies recovered. Active search, recovery, and identification efforts continue throughout the affected regions as officials review district reports and forensic data to maintain an accurate record of those killed, missing, or rescued.