Nepal flash flood toll hits 788 as glacial collapse disaster worsens

Kathmandu,UPDATED: Aug 30, 2026 20:30 IST

The death toll from the flash floods in Nepal rose to 788 on Sunday as more bodies were recovered, while more than 2,500 people were still missing. Rescue teams continued search and relief operations on the fifth day of the disaster, with 9,435 people rescued from flood-hit areas so far.

The floods were triggered on August 26 by an ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border. The torrent of water, mud and debris swept downstream through northern and central Nepal, wiping out towns and villages, damaging key infrastructure and washing away hydropower stations.

According to the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, bodies were recovered from eight affected districts, taking the death toll to 788. The authority said 2,502 people were still missing. On the Chinese side, 16 people were killed and nearly 550 remained missing in Tibet, according to Chinese media reports.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the NDRRMA warned that water levels in the Bhotekoshi River had risen again. "The water level in the flooded Bhotekoshi River has risen to some extent; all concerned are urged to take precautionary measures," it said, adding that it would provide updates after receiving more information. The Bhotekoshi River, which flows south from the Himalayan border region, had carried the floodwaters downstream and caused widespread damage on August 26.

India also continued to monitor the situation. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi had said on Saturday that more than 275 Indians and 128 persons of Indian origin remained missing or non-contactable in Nepal. On Sunday, the ministry said on X that 149 people had been rescued. With recoveries continuing and river levels under watch, the disaster remained grave across the affected areas.

With PTI Inputs

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