KATHMANDU / RankWire.AI / – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority of Nepal has updated the tally of missing persons following the August 26 floods, now standing at 6,150. This new figure represents an increase of 971 from the previous count of 5,179. Officials explained that the rise is due to updated and verified records from the districts affected by the disaster. Since the event, authorities have recovered 1,403 bodies. The flooding and subsequent debris flows caused widespread destruction across northern Nepal, especially near the China border.
Out of the recovered bodies, 105 have been identified, with forensic investigations ongoing for the remaining victims. The latest government data indicates 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 catastrophe, 13,742 individuals have been rescued. Additionally, 587 foreign nationals are still among those reported missing, adding an international aspect to ongoing search and identification efforts.
Records show 2,679 missing persons linked to Rasuwa and 1,787 linked to Nuwakot, both districts within the broader region impacted by the late-August floods. Floodwaters and debris damaged homes, roads, and infrastructure across the mountainous area. Search teams continue operations along river corridors, in damaged settlements, and around sites connected to major hydropower projects. Authorities are also cross-checking local records with family reports to update the official list of missing individuals.
Efforts in Search and Identification Continue
The disaster was triggered by a collapse of ice and rock on Mount Langtang Lirung, causing a powerful debris flow that entered the Bhotekoshi river system and moved downstream through valleys and communities. Rasuwa was particularly hard hit due to its location along the Nepal-China border and the flood pathway. Other districts affected include Nuwakot, Dhading, and several areas further downstream. The event also caused significant disruption to infrastructure and left thousands in need of rescue or emergency assistance.
Official figures indicate that helicopters have completed 1,923 rescue flights, and authorities have established 29 holding centers for displaced or affected individuals. These centers currently shelter 2,096 people. Nepal Police has been actively involved in rescue, relief, and community outreach efforts in the affected zones. Rescue teams persist in working through challenging mountain terrain, while forensic specialists process DNA samples to confirm the identities of recovered victims.
Updated Data Raises the Missing Persons Count
The official count of missing persons was revised from 5,179 to 6,150 after verification of data from affected districts. This adjustment added 971 individuals to the national tally. Authorities are continuing to differentiate between those missing and confirmed fatalities, with forensic teams matching DNA from bodies recovered with samples provided by relatives. As of the latest update, only 105 of the 1,403 recovered bodies have been formally identified.
The floods also impacted regions across the border in China, where officials reported 43 deaths and 519 missing persons. The combined toll for Nepal and China now stands at 1,446 confirmed deaths and no less than 6,669 individuals missing. In Nepal, the latest verified figures remain at 6,150 missing persons and 1,403 bodies recovered. Rescue, recovery, and identification activities are ongoing in affected zones, with officials reviewing district reports and forensic data to maintain a comprehensive record of the casualties, missing, and rescued.