Nepal Flood Crisis: Death Toll Climbs To 1,259 As Over 5,000 Remain Missing

The devastating floods in Nepal have left at least 1,259 people dead and more than 5,000 missing, as massive search and rescue operations continue across the worst-hit areas.

According to the latest update released by Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) at 7 PM on September 3, authorities have recovered 1,259 bodies, while 5,083 people remain unaccounted for. The disaster has also injured 5,384 people, while 12,038 survivors have been rescued.

More than 21,000 security personnel have been deployed across affected areas to support search, rescue and relief operations.

Over 5,000 People Still Missing

The missing persons include 2,130 people from Rasuwa and 2,340 from Nuwakot. Government figures also list 583 foreigners among those missing.

Rescue teams continue to search villages, roads, river stretches and damaged infrastructure in an effort to locate survivors and recover bodies.

1,259 Bodies Recovered

Bodies have been recovered from several districts across the flood-affected region. The district-wise figures are:

Rasuwa: 127
Nuwakot: 177
Dhading: 60
Gorkha: 72
Tanahun: 38
Nawalparasi East: 218
Nawalparasi West: 212
Chitwan: 355

Authorities have so far handed over 95 bodies to their families. Officials have cautioned that the figures could change as search teams continue operations.

• More Than 12,000 Rescued
• A total of 12,038 people have been brought to safety so far.

The Nepal Army has rescued 4,126 people, while aerial evacuation operations have helped move 3,926 people, including 273 foreigners and 3,653 Nepali citizens. Around 200 people have been rescued by land, while the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force are also involved in large-scale rescue operations.

The Nepal Army has carried out 785 helicopter flights, including 95 on Thursday. Private helicopters have conducted another 129 flights from Kathmandu.

Over 21,000 Security Personnel Deployed

A total of 21,402 security personnel have been mobilised across the affected areas.

The deployment includes:

• Nepal Army: 9,287 personnel
• Nepal Police: 7,912 personnel
• Armed Police Force: 4,203 personnel

The personnel are engaged in locating missing people, rescuing survivors, recovering bodies and distributing essential supplies.

Relief Operations Continue

Relief materials are being transported to communities cut off or badly affected by the floods.

According to the latest update, 69 trucks and 38 Boleros carrying food and relief supplies have been dispatched to affected areas. Additional supplies are being delivered by helicopter, with the Nepal Army transporting relief materials through 163 helicopter flights.

Fuel And Communication Services Being Restored

Authorities are also monitoring fuel availability in the affected areas. Current stocks include 40,000 litres of diesel, 22,000 litres of petrol and 18,000 litres of aviation fuel.

Communication networks are gradually returning to service. Officials said 110 damaged communication towers are operational again, while 75 of 78 damaged Ncell towers have been restored.

Thousands Remain In Temporary Centres

Thousands of displaced residents are still staying in temporary holding centres.

The latest government figures put the number at 3,844 people, including 2,981 in Nuwakot, 260 in Dhading and 603 in Rasuwa.

India Expands Rescue And Relief Support

India has stepped up its assistance to Nepal, with an 11-member specialised rescue team arriving in the Trishuli Bazaar area carrying advanced equipment. The team is scheduled to begin rescue operations from Friday in coordination with the Nepali Army, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

India has also delivered another consignment of humanitarian assistance to Kathmandu. The fifth Indian Air Force flight carrying relief supplies arrived on Thursday with around 5.5 tonnes of medical material, including antibiotics, painkillers, surgical equipment and other essential medicines.

The aircraft also transported the 11-member rescue team and more than six tonnes of specialised rescue equipment.

With the latest shipment, India’s total humanitarian assistance to Nepal has reached around 74 tonnes, according to the MEA.