KATHMANDU: The death toll from devastating flash floods and mudslides in central Nepal has risen to 626, while nearly 3,000 people remain missing across border, as rescue teams continue large-scale search and relief operations for a fourth consecutive day.
The disaster, which struck parts of Nepal on Wednesday, has caused widespread destruction across several districts, sweeping away homes, roads and bridges and damaging vital hydropower infrastructure.
According to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the 626 recovered bodies were reported from eight districts. Chitwan recorded the highest number with 233 deaths, followed by Nawalparasi East with 158 and Nuwakot with 51. Fatalities were also reported in Gorkha, Nawalparasi West, Dhading, Tanahu and Rasuwa.
thousands still missing
Rescue and recovery operations remain underway as authorities search flooded communities and areas buried under mud and debris. Rescue teams have so far evacuated around 2,500 stranded people.
The disaster has also raised concerns about further flooding. Authorities are monitoring rising water levels and newly formed bodies of water near the affected areas amid forecasts of additional rainfall.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimates that around 93,000 people have been affected and require humanitarian assistance.
Children have been among those particularly vulnerable. Evacuation centers are sheltering children separated from their families, while UNICEF estimates that approximately 17,000 children need humanitarian support.
nepal-china border also hit
The floods and mudslides have also caused severe destruction along the Nepal-China border. Reports indicate that the broader disaster has left more than 3,000 people reported missing across Nepal and China combined, while the death toll across the affected areas has exceeded 630 according to some local reports.
Authorities are particularly concerned about a natural dam formed by the disaster, which could potentially rupture and trigger another wave of flooding.
With more rain forecast for the region, emergency agencies remain on high alert as search, rescue and relief efforts continue.
Note: The figures in the supplied reports vary, particularly regarding the number missing and the combined Nepal-China death toll. The 626 deaths and nearly 2,000 missing figures are presented as the Nepal-specific figures reported by the NDRRMA, while the higher figures refer to the wider Nepal-China disaster.
