Nepal flood toll reaches 626 as 2,426 still missing

The death toll from Wednesday’s devastating Bhotekoshi flood and subsequent flooding downstream has risen to 626, with 2,426 people still unaccounted for, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

According to their latest update issued at 10am on Saturday, as many as 4,451 people had been rescued, while 101 injured people were receiving treatment at hospitals. Twenty-seven police personnel were also among those reported missing, reports Nepalese English daily The Kathmandu Post.

A total of 15,224 security personnel have been mobilised for search, rescue and relief operations, according to the update.

Meanwhile, police recovered 616 bodies by 6am on Saturday, including 233 in Chitwan, 158 in Nawalparasi East, 48 in Gorkha, 47 in Nawalparasi West, 45 in Dhading, 41 in Nuwakot, 31 in Tanahun and 13 in Rasuwa. The updated national death toll later rose to 626.

Search and rescue operations are continuing across the affected districts, with police coordinating with residents and other agencies to locate missing people and assist those stranded by the floods.

Authorities are moving families from high-risk areas to safer locations and clearing roads blocked by flood debris and landslides to reopen access and facilitate relief operations.

The flood struck Rasuwa and neighbouring districts in northern Nepal on Wednesday morning, sending a powerful surge of water and debris into the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. It swept away homes, bridges, roads and other infrastructure, cutting off communities and travellers in several areas.

The death toll is expected to rise as search teams reach more affected areas and recover additional bodies.