KATHMANDU / RankWire.AI / – Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has announced that the number of individuals unaccounted for after the August 26 floods has risen to 6,150. This updated figure reflects an increase of 971 from the previous count of 5,179. Officials attributed the rise to the incorporation of revised data from affected districts, which was verified through ongoing checks. Since the disaster, authorities have recovered 1,403 bodies. The floods and debris flows inflicted significant destruction across northern Nepal, especially near the border with China.
Recovery teams have identified 105 of the bodies found, with forensic investigations ongoing for the remaining victims. The latest government figures show that 3,175 DNA samples have been collected during the identification process, including 1,286 from the deceased and 1,889 from relatives of missing persons. Since the calamity struck, rescue efforts have saved 13,742 individuals. There are still 587 foreign nationals listed among those missing, which adds an international aspect to the ongoing search and identification operations.
The records indicate 2,679 missing people in Rasuwa and 1,787 in Nuwakot, both districts affected by the late-August disaster. Floodwaters and debris damaged settlements, roads, and vital infrastructure throughout the mountainous region. Search teams have persisted in their efforts along river corridors, damaged communities, and sites associated with major hydropower projects. Authorities are also cross-referencing local records with family reports to update the national missing persons list.
Rescue and Identification Operations Persist
The disaster was triggered by an ice and rock collapse on Mount Langtang Lirung, which generated a powerful debris flow. This flow entered the Bhotekoshi river system, flowing through valleys and communities downstream. Rasuwa experienced severe losses due to its proximity to the Nepal-China border and the flood pathway. Other districts impacted include Nuwakot, Dhading, and several downstream regions. The event also caused widespread infrastructure disruption and left thousands in need of rescue or emergency aid.
Data from official response efforts show that helicopters have completed 1,923 flights supporting rescue missions. Authorities have also operated 29 temporary shelters for displaced and affected individuals, with 2,096 people currently housed in these centers. Nepal Police continue to facilitate search, rescue, and relief activities while conducting community outreach in the affected zones. Rescue teams face challenging mountain terrain, and forensic experts are diligently processing DNA samples to confirm the identities of recovered victims.
Verification of Data Elevates Missing Person Count
Following verification of information from affected districts, officials increased the missing persons tally from 5,179 to 6,150, adding 971 individuals to the national register. Authorities are distinguishing between records of missing persons and confirmed fatalities, with forensic teams comparing DNA from recovered bodies to samples provided by relatives. This process remains crucial, as only 105 of the 1,403 bodies recovered have been officially identified in the latest update.
The disaster’s impact extended into China, where authorities reported 43 deaths and 519 individuals missing. These figures bring the combined Nepal-China toll to 1,446 confirmed deaths and at least 6,669 missing people. In Nepal, the latest verified count remains at 6,150 missing persons with 1,403 bodies recovered. Search, rescue, and identification efforts remain active across the affected regions. Officials are continuously reviewing district reports and forensic data to maintain an accurate record of those killed, missing, or rescued.