Nepal floods: Death toll reaches 903, over 4,200 still missing as tunnel rescue efforts intensify

The death toll from devastating floods in Nepal has risen to 903, while 4,247 people remain unaccounted for as rescue operations continue across the affected areas, with teams also working to reach people believed to be trapped inside hydropower project tunnels.

According to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 903 bodies have been recovered so far. Chitwan has recorded the highest number of recovered bodies at 272.

Authorities in the district buried most of the unidentified bodies at Devghat, where the Kali Gandaki and Trishuli rivers meet, after collecting DNA samples to aid identification later.

The NDRRMA said unidentified bodies have also been kept at 21 hospitals across different districts. Relatives have been urged to check official records to help identify those who remain unaccounted for.

Of the 4,247 people still out of contact, 592 are foreigners. The list also includes 933 people working at hydropower projects along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to reach people believed to be trapped inside tunnels at several hydropower projects, with technical assistance from teams from India and China.

Rescue operations have also focused on the Upper Trishuli-3A hydropower project, where teams have been working to gain access to a blocked tunnel. A tunnel entrance has been located and efforts are underway to widen the opening so rescuers can enter.

The disaster has also left 267 people injured, while 156 of them have already been discharged after treatment. So far, 10,451 people have been rescued, including 252 foreign nationals. The Nepal Army has carried out aerial rescue operations involving 3,344 Nepalis.

The NDRRMA said 20,819 security personnel have been deployed for search, rescue and relief operations. The deployment includes 8,722 Nepal Army personnel, 7,894 Nepal Police personnel and 4,203 personnel from the Armed Police Force.

The disaster has also affected areas along the Nepal-China border. In Tibet, Chinese authorities have reported 16 deaths and 546 people missing, taking the combined death toll in Nepal and Tibet to 919 and the number of missing to 4,793.

The flooding followed a glacier collapse in the Himalayan region that sent large quantities of rock, ice, mud and debris through mountain river systems, according to reports from the affected region. The resulting floods damaged infrastructure and left several areas difficult to access.

Rescue teams continue to face difficult conditions while searching for people in affected communities and hydropower facilities. The focus remains on recovering bodies, locating those still unaccounted for and reaching people trapped in inaccessible areas.