Nepal flood toll crosses 650 as fresh rain warning threatens rescue work

Kathmandu,UPDATED: Aug 29, 2026 18:24 IST

Nepal's meteorology department on Saturday warned of fresh rainfall and thunderstorms in areas hit by flash floods, raising fears of further disruption to rescue and relief work as the crisis deepens, according to a media report. The warning came as authorities continued search operations and kept the country on high alert.

The death toll from the floods crossed 650 on Saturday, while more than 2,400 people were still missing. Rescue operations were continuing at full pace despite intermittent rainfall in several affected areas, with more than 15,000 security personnel mobilised for search and rescue work.

A massive torrent of water, mud and debris swept through central Nepal on Wednesday, devastating towns and villages, washing away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges, and damaging hydropower projects. Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said at a press conference that the situation was being closely monitored and the country remained on "high alert".

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said heavy rain was likely in the hilly and mountainous regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, the hilly areas of Karnali, and the Terai regions of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces, The Rising Nepal media portal reported.

Meteorologist Hari Prasad Dahal said most places in the Bhotekoshi flood-hit area in Rasuwa were likely to receive moderate rainfall on Saturday. "Heavy rain may occur in one or two places, which is likely to affect search and rescue operations. Therefore, precaution is necessary," he added.

The meteorology department also indicated a possibility of moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning, along with snowfall, in many hilly and mountainous parts of the country. It said Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, along with some other hilly and mountainous areas, may receive rain with thunder and lightning as well as snow.

Rescuers continued search operations amid fears of another wave of flooding after water levels in the Bhotekoshi River rose. Chinese authorities have already warned about a new barrier lake forming near the river's source in Tibet and said the lake could breach, increasing the risk of fresh floods in downstream areas of Nepal. Overall, Nepal remained on alert on Saturday as the flood toll rose, thousands stayed missing and fresh weather warnings threatened ongoing rescue efforts.

With PTI Inputs

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