Nepal flood death toll rises to 987, with nearly 4,000 still missing

Nepal’s flood disaster has grown deadlier by the day, with the government reporting 987 deaths and 3,916 people still missing nearly a week after torrents swept through northern districts.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said authorities had recovered bodies from eight districts. Chitwan recorded the highest number, with 321 deaths, followed by Nawalparasi East with 216 and Nawalparasi West with 170. Other deaths were reported in Nuwakot, Gorkha, Dhading, Tanahun and Rasuwa.

Rasuwa remains the focus of the missing-persons search. The district has 865 people listed as unaccounted for. The list also includes 639 people linked to hydropower projects and 583 foreign nationals. Rescue teams are examining project sites where workers may have become trapped after floodwaters and debris swept through compounds and tunnels.

At least 279 people have been injured, including 111 who remain in treatment. Nepali Army medical teams have treated 2,740 people, while helicopters have evacuated more than 11,800 Nepalis and foreign nationals. More than 21,000 personnel from the army, police and Armed Police Force have been deployed.

The flooding began on August 26, when a sudden surge of water and debris moved down the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa, near the border with Tibet. It damaged settlements, roads, bridges, border facilities and hydropower infrastructure before continuing downstream through the Trishuli river system. Damaged roads, bridges and rugged terrain have forced authorities to rely heavily on helicopters as searches continue.