Kathmandu, Sept. 5: Nepal’s flood disaster has entered a grimmer phase, with the confirmed death toll rising to 1,344 while authorities continue an extensive search for 4,886 people who remain unaccounted for following last week’s catastrophic flash floods. The scale of the tragedy has intensified recovery efforts across the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors, where rescue teams are simultaneously searching for survivors, recovering bodies and delivering relief to affected communities.
According to the latest figures released by Nepal Police at 8 a.m. on Saturday, 1,344 bodies swept away by the Bhote Koshi River have been recovered. Officials cautioned that the toll could increase further as thousands, including 606 foreign nationals, remain out of contact after the floods caused widespread destruction to lives and property across central Nepal.
A significant number of those still missing are believed to be trapped inside tunnels connected to 11 hydropower projects located along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems. Search operations at these sites remain a priority as specialised teams continue efforts to access affected tunnel sections.
Rescue teams achieved a breakthrough on Friday when two people were pulled out alive from the tunnel of the 60-megawatt Upper Trishuli 3A hydropower project in Rasuwa district. The rescue has provided hope as operations continue in other affected locations.
The Nepal government said authorities remain focused on tracing missing persons while simultaneously carrying out body recovery, identification and relief activities. Security agencies have intensified their deployment across disaster-hit areas, with police reporting that 8,962 people, including 1,552 foreign nationals, have been rescued so far.
Identification of victims has also accelerated through forensic procedures. Police said DNA samples have been collected from 1,260 deceased individuals and 1,012 relatives, taking the total number of samples gathered to 2,272 to assist in confirming identities.
Nepal Police has deployed 7,912 personnel for search, rescue and relief operations. The disaster has also affected the force itself, with 65 police personnel impacted and 25 still reported missing.
Beyond the mounting human toll, the floods have inflicted extensive damage on infrastructure and private property along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems. With rescue and relief operations continuing, Nepal has sought international assistance for the restoration and reconstruction of the affected regions once the immediate emergency response concludes.
