Nepal floods: Missing tally rises to 2,482, including 320 Indians; disaster toll hits 584

Nepal’s catastrophic floods have left at least 584 people dead and 2,482 missing, according to the latest update from authorities. The disaster, triggered by a massive ice-rock avalanche near the border with Tibet, struck on Wednesday, August 25, 2026, and continues to unfold with alarming intensity. Nepal accounts for 579 fatalities and 1,924 missing individuals, while Tibet reports five deaths and 558 missing persons. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing search operations and shifting casualty figures reflecting the challenges faced by rescue teams navigating treacherous conditions. The disaster unfolded in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, where an unprecedented deluge overwhelmed communities and infrastructure. Initial reports suggested that the floodwaters surged with such force that entire villages were submerged, leaving many stranded. As rescue efforts intensified, officials noted that the number of missing persons climbed sharply, driven by new assessments from local districts, hydropower projects, and tourism sectors. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that 4,451 people had been rescued, though this figure does not account for those still unaccounted for. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy highlighted that over 1,000 workers associated with hydropower projects had lost contact, underscoring the scale of the crisis. Among the most dire situations is the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project, a 216-megawatt facility funded by South Korea. Here, hundreds of workers found themselves trapped in tunnels as floodwaters and debris blocked access routes. Project liaison officer Giri Adhikari stated that approximately 400 people were inside the tunnel, with an additional 176 outside remaining uncontactable. Of these, around 40 Indians and eight Koreans were still missing, alongside approximately 100 Chinese workers. Adhikari emphasized that while oxygen levels inside the tunnel were sufficient, food and water supplies were dwindling. He noted that rescuers could only reach certain access points by being lowered from helicopters due to the destruction of roads and tunnels. Similar scenarios were reported at other hydropower sites, with officials listing 93 missing persons at the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project alone. Meanwhile, Indian nationals continue to face uncertainty. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 320 Indian citizens remained uncontactable in Nepal, marking an increase from previous estimates. Additionally, around 100 individuals of Indian origin, holding other nationalities, were also unaccounted for. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the situation as “dynamic,” emphasizing the need for further clarification from Nepalese authorities. Despite the challenges, 84 Indian nationals have been successfully located and evacuated, including 63 workers from the Trishuli-1 project and 21 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu. These pilgrims, who had embarked on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, were rescued by the Nepal Army and subsequently transported to Delhi, where they were greeted by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He expressed relief at their safe return and reiterated the government’s commitment to locating all remaining missing persons. On the ground, survivors recounted harrowing experiences. A rescued Indian pilgrim from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh described how floodwaters came dangerously close to him, narrowly avoiding catastrophe. He credited divine intervention for his survival and praised the support received from local officials and political leaders. Similarly, a customs officer in Nepal, Subedi, described the flood as resembling a cyclone, noting the sheer power of the torrent that swept through the region. His account highlights the suddenness and ferocity of the disaster, which caught many off guard. Efforts to stabilize the situation include international cooperation and domestic mobilization. India has pledged assistance to Nepal, offering to deploy personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). This offer comes amid reports that Kathmandu had declined requests from other nations to contribute to search and rescue operations. As the search for missing persons continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of Indian nationals and providing aid to affected communities. The flood’s aftermath will likely shape discussions on disaster preparedness, regional collaboration, and climate resilience in the Himalayan region.