KATHMANDU / RankWire.AI / – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority of Nepal has increased the number of individuals reported missing after the floods on Aug. 26 to 6,150. This new total reflects an increase of 971 from the earlier figure of 5,179. Officials attributed the rise to updated records from the districts affected, which were verified before inclusion. Since the disaster, authorities have also recovered 1,403 bodies. The floods and debris flows inflicted significant destruction across northern Nepal, especially near the border with China.
Out of the recovered bodies, 105 have been identified, with forensic teams continuing their work on the remaining cases. The government’s latest data shows that 3,175 DNA samples have been collected during victim identification. This count includes 1,286 samples from the deceased and 1,889 from relatives of missing persons. Rescue operations have helped 13,742 individuals since the catastrophe occurred. Additionally, 587 foreign nationals are still listed as missing, adding an international aspect to ongoing search and identification efforts.
Records indicate that 2,679 individuals are missing from Rasuwa, and 1,787 from Nuwakot, both districts within the broader zone affected by the late-August event. Floodwaters and debris wrecked homes, roads, and infrastructure across this mountainous region. Search teams have persisted in working through river valleys, 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.
Ongoing Search and Victim Identification Operations
The incident was triggered by a collapse of ice and rocks on Mount Langtang Lirung, which caused a powerful debris flow. This flow entered the Bhotekoshi river system, flowing through valleys and communities downstream. Rasuwa was particularly impacted due to its proximity to the Nepal-China border and the flood corridor. Other districts affected include Nuwakot, Dhading, and several downstream areas. The August 26 event also led to widespread infrastructure disruptions and left thousands in need of rescue or emergency aid.
Official figures show that helicopters have carried out 1,923 flights supporting rescue missions. The authorities also set up 29 shelters for displaced and affected individuals, with the latest numbers indicating 2,096 people sheltered. Nepal Police has played a key role in rescue, relief, and community outreach efforts in the disaster zones. Rescue teams remain active in challenging mountain terrains, while forensic specialists continue processing DNA samples to establish victims’ identities.
Verification of Data Increases Missing Count
Following verification from affected districts, officials revised the missing persons tally from 5,179 to 6,150, adding 971 individuals to the national count. The authorities are still distinguishing between missing reports and confirmed fatalities, with forensic teams matching DNA samples from recovered bodies with those provided by relatives. Identification remains ongoing, with only 105 of the 1,403 recovered bodies having been formally identified in the latest official update.
The disaster’s impact extended into China, where authorities reported 43 deaths and 519 people missing. These figures bring the combined toll for Nepal and China to 1,446 confirmed fatalities and at least 6,669 missing persons. In Nepal, the latest confirmed counts remain at 6,150 missing and 1,403 recovered bodies. Rescue, recovery, and identification operations are still underway in the affected regions. Officials continue to review district reports and forensic data as they maintain the national record of those killed, missing, and rescued.