KATHMANDU / RankWire.AI / – Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has increased the number of individuals reported missing following the floods on Aug. 26 to 6,150. This new total is 971 higher than the earlier figure of 5,179. Officials explained that the rise resulted from updated records obtained from affected districts after thorough verification. Since the disaster struck, authorities have also recovered 1,403 bodies. The floods and debris flows inflicted significant destruction across northern Nepal, especially near the China border.
Identification of 105 recovered bodies has been completed, and forensic work continues on the remaining victims. The latest government information states that 3,175 DNA samples have been collected for identification purposes. This figure includes 1,286 samples from the deceased and 1,889 from relatives of the missing. Since the event, rescue teams have saved 13,742 people. Additionally, 587 foreign nationals are still listed as missing, adding an international aspect to ongoing search and identification efforts.
Records indicate that 2,679 people are missing in Rasuwa, while 1,787 are listed as missing in Nuwakot. Both districts are part of the broader area impacted by the late August disaster. Floodwaters and debris caused damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure throughout the mountainous region. Search operations have continued along river corridors, through damaged communities, and near sites associated with major hydropower projects. Authorities are also cross-referencing local records with family reports as they update the national missing persons list.
Search and identification activities ongoing
The disaster was triggered by a collapse of ice and rock on Mount Langtang Lirung, which caused a powerful debris flow. This flow entered the Bhotekoshi river system and moved downstream through valleys and communities. Rasuwa suffered significant losses due to its proximity to the Nepal-China border and the flood corridor. Other districts affected include Nuwakot, Dhading, and several areas further downstream. The Aug. 26 event also led to widespread infrastructure disruption and left thousands in need of rescue or emergency aid.
Official data show that helicopter rescue missions have completed 1,923 flights. Authorities also set up 29 relief centers for displaced or affected individuals. Currently, 2,096 people are housed in these centers. Nepal Police has played a key role in supporting rescue, relief, and community outreach efforts in affected regions. Rescue teams continue to operate in challenging mountain terrain while forensic experts analyze DNA samples to identify recovered victims.
Updated figures reflect rise in missing persons following verification
Following verification from affected districts, officials revised the missing persons count from 5,179 to 6,150. This change added 971 individuals to the national missing person tally. Authorities are actively distinguishing between missing persons and confirmed fatalities. Forensic teams are working to match DNA from recovered bodies with samples provided by relatives. As of the latest update, only 105 of the 1,403 bodies recovered have been formally identified, highlighting ongoing efforts.
The disaster also impacted regions across the border in China, where authorities reported 43 deaths and 519 missing persons. These figures raise the combined toll for Nepal and China to 1,446 confirmed deaths and at least 6,669 missing individuals. In Nepal, the current verified count remains at 6,150 missing and 1,403 bodies recovered. Rescue, recovery, and identification operations remain underway in affected zones. Officials continue to review district reports and forensic records to maintain accurate tallies of those killed, missing, and rescued.