Nepal Flood Death Toll Hits 903, Over 4,200 Still Missing

Nepal’s deadliest flood disaster in recent memory has triggered a massive search operation, with rescue teams racing to locate thousands still missing after a glacial collapse unleashed torrents of water, ice and debris

The death toll from the catastrophic floods in Nepal has climbed to 903, while 4,247 people remain missing, according to the latest figures released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on Monday. The disaster followed a glacial collapse near the China-Nepal border that unleashed a powerful surge of water, rock, ice and mud through Himalayan valleys.

The rescue operation has entered a critical phase, with thousands of security personnel searching flood-hit districts, riverbanks, damaged settlements and hydropower sites. The missing include 592 foreign nationals, according to the latest reports.

Death Toll Crosses 900

The latest NDRRMA update puts the number of recovered bodies at 903. Chitwan district has recorded the largest number of recovered victims, with authorities facing difficulties in storing and identifying the remains.

Officials have begun collecting DNA samples from unidentified bodies before burial. In Chitwan, several recovered bodies were buried at Devghat after samples were taken to support future identification and help families conduct funeral rites.

The scale of the tragedy remains fluid as rescue teams continue to recover bodies from rivers and debris.

Thousands Still Missing

The official missing figure of 4,247 reflects people who remain unaccounted for as search operations continue.

The missing include foreign nationals as well as hundreds of workers employed at hydropower projects across the affected region. NDRRMA has listed 933 hydropower workers among those missing.

Some victims are also feared to have been swept downstream into southern Nepal and potentially across the border into India, complicating identification and recovery efforts.

Workers Trapped In Tunnels

One of the most urgent rescue missions is underway at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project, where workers are believed to be trapped inside a tunnel blocked by flood debris.

Nepali Army personnel and engineers have been excavating the site. A pipe has been inserted into the passage, allowing rescuers to begin sending air into the tunnel. Home Minister Sudan Gurung said the operation would continue as teams work to widen the opening and reach those inside.

Earlier rain and rising river levels flooded parts of the excavation area, forcing rescuers to temporarily slow operations.

Glacial Collapse Triggered Flood

The disaster began after a glacial collapse in the Himalayan region sent an enormous volume of water, ice and rock downstream.

Chinese authorities said a glacier on the southern slope of Lirung Peak in Nepal fractured, triggering an ice-rock avalanche. The resulting debris flow travelled more than 20 kilometres before reaching the Gyirong border area in Tibet.

The torrent then moved through river systems in Nepal, destroying homes, bridges, roads and hydropower infrastructure along its path.

Fresh Flood Threat Remains

Rescue operations have been repeatedly disrupted by unstable weather, rising rivers and the possibility of additional landslides.

In Tibet, Chinese rescue personnel were reportedly forced to move to safer ground after a landslide created another lake near the affected area. The development has heightened concerns that additional water could be released suddenly and trigger another wave downstream.

Authorities in both countries remain alert to the risk of secondary flooding as debris continues to block waterways.

Nepal Mobilises Rescue Teams

Nepal has deployed a large security contingent for search, rescue and relief operations. More than 20,800 security personnel have been involved in the response, with helicopters conducting repeated missions in affected areas.

Rescuers are working across multiple districts while local authorities provide emergency shelter, medical assistance and relief supplies to survivors.

The difficult terrain and widespread destruction of roads and bridges have made ground operations particularly challenging.

Long Recovery Ahead

The disaster has left Nepal facing a prolonged recovery effort, with major damage reported to settlements, transport links and hydropower infrastructure.

The immediate priority remains finding survivors and accounting for the thousands still missing. Authorities are also working on the identification and dignified burial of recovered victims.

With rescue teams continuing to search rivers, tunnels and debris fields, the final human and economic cost of the Himalayan disaster is likely to remain uncertain for some time.