KATHMANDU / RankWire.AI / – Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has increased the number of missing individuals following the August 26 floods to 6,150. This updated figure reflects an increase of 971 from the previous count of 5,179. Officials explained that new verified records from impacted districts contributed to the rise in numbers. Since the disaster, authorities have recovered a total of 1,403 bodies. The floods and mudflows caused widespread destruction across northern Nepal, especially near the border with China.
Among the recovered bodies, 105 have been identified so far, with forensic investigations ongoing for the rest. The latest government data indicates that 3,175 DNA samples have been gathered for identification purposes. This total comprises 1,286 samples from the deceased and 1,889 from family members of the missing. Rescue efforts have saved 13,742 individuals since the disaster began. Additionally, 587 foreign nationals are still listed as missing, adding an international element to the ongoing search and identification operations.
The official records specify 2,679 missing persons from Rasuwa and 1,787 from Nuwakot, both districts within the broader affected zone from late August. Floodwaters and debris damaged communities, roads, and infrastructure across the mountainous region. Search teams continue working through river corridors, devastated settlements, and sites associated with major hydropower projects. Authorities are also cross-referencing local records with family reports as they update the national missing persons list.
Ongoing Search and Identification Activities
The disaster was triggered when ice and rock from Mount Langtang Lirung collapsed, resulting in a powerful debris flow. This flow entered the Bhotekoshi river system, moving through valleys and communities downstream. Rasuwa experienced significant losses due to its proximity to the Nepal-China border and the flood pathway. Other districts affected included Nuwakot, Dhading, and several areas further downstream. The event on August 26 also severely disrupted infrastructure and left thousands requiring rescue or emergency aid.
Rescue operations supported by helicopters have completed 1,923 flights, according to official data. Authorities have established 29 relief centers for displaced or affected populations, currently accommodating 2,096 individuals. Nepal Police have been actively involved in rescue, relief, and community outreach programs in impacted zones. Rescue teams persist in working through rugged mountain terrains, while forensic specialists analyze DNA samples to identify recovered victims.
Verification of Missing Persons Leads to Increased Count
Following verification procedures, officials revised the missing persons tally from 5,179 to 6,150, incorporating verified data from affected districts. This correction added 971 individuals to the national missing persons registry. Authorities are continuing to differentiate between missing persons and confirmed fatalities, with forensic teams matching DNA from recovered bodies to 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 authorities reported 43 deaths and 519 missing persons. These figures bring the combined Nepal-China death toll to 1,446 and the missing count to at least 6,669. In Nepal, the latest verified figures show 6,150 missing and 1,403 bodies recovered. Rescue, recovery, and identification activities are ongoing in affected areas, with officials continuing to review district reports and forensic data to keep track of fatalities, missing individuals, and rescued persons.