KATHMANDU / RankWire.AI / – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority in Nepal has updated the number of individuals reported missing due to the August 26 floods to 6,150. This figure marks an increase of 971 from the earlier reported total of 5,179. Officials explained that the rise results from new records verified from affected districts. Since the disaster, authorities have recovered 1,403 bodies. The floods and debris flows inflicted extensive damage across northern Nepal, especially near the border with China.
Currently, 105 of the recovered bodies have been identified, with forensic investigations ongoing for the remaining victims. The government’s latest data includes 3,175 DNA samples collected during the identification process—1,286 from the deceased and 1,889 from relatives of the missing. Since the event, 13,742 individuals have been rescued. Additionally, 587 foreign nationals remain among the missing persons, highlighting an international aspect to the ongoing search and identification operations.
Records show that 2,679 people are missing from Rasuwa, and 1,787 from Nuwakot, both districts within the broader area impacted by the late-August floods. The disaster’s aftermath damaged settlements, roads, and infrastructure throughout the mountainous region. Search teams continue operations along river corridors, in damaged communities, and near sites linked to major hydropower projects. Authorities are also cross-checking local records with family reports as they work to update the national missing persons list.
Rescue and identification work ongoing
The incident was triggered by an ice and rock collapse on Mount Langtang Lirung, which caused a powerful debris flow. This flow entered the Bhotekoshi river system, moving through valleys and communities downstream. Rasuwa suffered significant losses due to its position along the Nepal-China border and the flood corridor. Other districts impacted include Nuwakot, Dhading, and several downstream areas. The event also resulted in widespread infrastructure disruptions and left thousands needing rescue or emergency aid.
Official data indicates that helicopters have conducted 1,923 rescue flights. Authorities have set up 29 holding centers for displaced or affected individuals, with 2,096 people currently residing in these centers. Nepal Police have played a key role in rescue, relief, and community outreach efforts in affected regions. Rescue teams continue their challenging work in mountain terrains, while forensic specialists analyze DNA samples to establish identities of the recovered victims.
Verification process increases missing person count
Following verification, officials revised the total missing persons from 5,179 to 6,150, adding 971 individuals to the national count. The process involves distinguishing missing persons from confirmed fatalities and identified victims. Forensic teams are matching DNA from recovered bodies with samples provided by relatives. Currently, only 105 of the 1,403 bodies recovered have been formally identified in the latest official update.
The flood also impacted areas across the border in China, where authorities reported 43 deaths and 519 missing persons. These figures bring the combined Nepal-China death toll to 1,446 and at least 6,669 people listed as missing. In Nepal, the latest verified numbers remain 6,150 missing and 1,403 bodies recovered. Search, recovery, and identification efforts continue actively across the affected areas. Officials persist in reviewing district reports and forensic records as they maintain the national tally of fatalities, missing persons, and rescued individuals.