KATHMANDU (Rajeev Sharma): The death toll from the devastating floods that swept through parts of Nepal has climbed to 1,290, according to the latest figures released by Nepal Police as rescue and recovery teams continue searching through areas hit by the disaster.
The rapidly rising toll underscores the scale of the catastrophe that struck the country on August 26. The flooding, centred around the Bhotekoshi River and surrounding regions, caused extensive destruction to homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure.
The latest figure marks a sharp increase from the 1,252 deaths reported on September 3, highlighting the continuing recovery of bodies from flood-affected areas.
Thousands still unaccounted for
While rescue teams have recovered more bodies, a large number of people remain missing. Reports on the latest situation indicate that more than 4,700 people are still unaccounted for, adding to concerns that the death toll could rise further as search operations continue.
Rescue personnel have been working in difficult conditions, particularly around damaged infrastructure and hydropower facilities. Several workers are among those whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Authorities have also faced the difficult task of identifying recovered victims. Earlier updates showed that only a small proportion of the recovered bodies had been formally identified and handed over to relatives.
Disaster leaves widespread destruction
The flooding caused major damage across several districts, with Chitwan, Nawalparasi East, Nawalparasi West, Nuwakot and Rasuwa among the areas reporting significant casualties.
The disaster also disrupted transportation and damaged key infrastructure, making access to some affected communities challenging for emergency teams.
The flooding was triggered by a powerful event in the Himalayan region involving ice and rock, sending a destructive surge of water, mud and debris through downstream areas.
Rescue and recovery operations continue
Security forces and emergency teams remain engaged in searches for survivors and missing people while also recovering bodies and providing assistance to affected communities.
Particular attention has been directed toward hydropower projects, where hundreds of workers have been reported missing. Rescue teams have been using heavy equipment and other resources to reach areas blocked by mud and debris.
With the number of recovered victims continuing to rise, authorities are now facing a major challenge not only in locating those still missing but also in identifying the dead and helping families establish the fate of their relatives.
The latest death toll of 1,290 makes the disaster one of the most devastating natural catastrophes Nepal has faced in recent years, while search and recovery operations remain underway.
