Nepal Floods: Death Toll 788, 140+ Indians Evacuated

The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 788, while more than 2,500 people remain missing as rescue and relief operations continue across several flood-hit districts. More than 9,400 people have been rescued so far, while India has also stepped up efforts to assist its nationals affected by the disaster.

The floods struck parts of Nepal on August 26 after a massive flow of water, mud and debris moved downstream from the Himalayan border region. The disaster caused widespread destruction across northern and central Nepal, damaging homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure.

Death toll rises as search operations continue

According to figures reported by Nepal's disaster management authorities, the death toll has reached 788. At least 2,502 people were still reported missing, while 9,435 people had been rescued from affected areas. 

Search teams are continuing to recover bodies from affected districts as rescuers work through damaged settlements and debris. Authorities have warned that casualty and missing-person figures remain subject to change as search, identification and verification operations continue.

The Nepal government had earlier said that thousands of security personnel and helicopters had been deployed for rescue, relief and recovery operations. 

Indian nationals among those affected

India has also been closely monitoring the situation because a significant number of Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin were in the affected areas.

The Ministry of External Affairs had said that more than 275 Indian nationals and 128 persons of Indian origin were missing or non-contactable in Nepal at one stage of the rescue operation. The ministry subsequently shared a list of 149 Indian nationals who had been rescued. 

Indian authorities are continuing to coordinate with Nepalese officials to trace those who remain unaccounted for and facilitate the safe return of rescued Indian citizens.

Rescue teams face difficult conditions

Rescue operations have been complicated by difficult terrain, damaged infrastructure and rising water levels in some rivers. Authorities have urged residents and rescue personnel to remain alert after renewed increases in water levels were reported in the Bhotekoshi River. 

Specialised rescue teams from India, China and South Korea have also been assisting Nepal, particularly in operations involving people believed to be trapped inside tunnels at hydropower projects.

Nepal's Foreign Ministry said a specialised Indian team of 11 tunnel-rescue experts had been mobilised, along with teams from China and South Korea. An 18-member Indian forensic team specialising in DNA analysis has also reached Nepal to assist with identification of victims.

Hydropower projects remain a major focus

Several hydropower projects were severely affected by the flooding, with workers reported trapped in tunnels. Rescue teams have been working to reach these locations while dealing with debris and unstable conditions.

Reuters reported that hundreds of workers were believed to be trapped at hydropower projects, prompting Nepal to intensify rescue efforts and bring in heavy equipment and specialised teams.

The disaster has also damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted transportation links in affected parts of the country, increasing the difficulty of delivering relief supplies and reaching isolated communities.

Government urges reliance on verified information

The Nepal government has appealed to the public and media to rely on officially verified information because casualty, missing-person and damage figures are continuing to change.

Authorities are providing emergency medical care, food, drinking water, temporary shelter and other essential assistance to affected communities. The government is also monitoring river systems and downstream areas for the possibility of additional flooding during the ongoing rainy season. 

For India, the priority remains locating missing nationals, supporting those rescued and facilitating their onward travel. Meanwhile, Nepal's rescue teams continue searching affected areas as the country confronts one of its most severe recent flood disasters.