Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises to 1,355 as Country Mourns

Nepal is observing a day of national mourning after devastating flash floods killed 1,355 people, according to the latest figures from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

The floods struck on August 26, with the Bhotekoshi River causing widespread destruction in Rasuwa. Downstream areas along the Trishuli River, including parts of Nuwakot and Dhading, also suffered. Homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure were damaged, while communities faced disruption to transport, electricity and water supplies.

Government offices across Nepal are flying the national flag at half-mast, as are Nepali embassies and diplomatic missions abroad. The Cabinet decided on September 3 to hold the mourning day in honour of those killed.

Search and rescue operations, relief distribution and repairs continue with the participation of security agencies, government authorities, local communities and international partners. The Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have rescued 13,391 people by air and ground transport.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah highlighted the work of security personnel at the Central Jail at Khampa Camp in Bidur-6, Nuwakot. Floodwaters damaged administrative buildings and reached lower housing levels. Fifty-two police and Armed Police Force personnel moved all 923 inmates to higher ground and recaptured 50 inmates who tried to escape through damaged perimeter structures. Several officers were injured. Despite damage to barracks, blocked roads and disrupted water supplies, personnel have continued operating the facility and delivering necessities.

The response remains large. Some 9,287 army personnel are managing operations in Battar and Dhunche and building temporary bridges in Devighat. Another 7,975 police officers are conducting searches, recovering bodies and deploying canine units. The Armed Police Force has 4,203 personnel operating from 13 bases with diving teams, rope-rescue units and drones. Eighty-two security personnel remain unaccounted for.