Nepal is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis after devastating flash floods pushed the death toll to 734, while 2,498 people remain missing, according to the latest figures released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
The disaster has also created a major challenge for authorities handling the recovered bodies. With mortuaries running out of space and many victims yet to be identified, Nepal has begun taking steps to preserve DNA and other forensic evidence before unidentified remains are buried.
The floods struck on August 26 after a sudden glacial collapse sent a powerful surge of water, mud and debris through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems. Several districts suffered extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure.
Nepal Plans DNA Preservation Before Burial
Prime Minister Balendra Shah said authorities would preserve DNA samples and other evidence from bodies that cannot immediately be identified.
“Only bodies that cannot be identified will be managed by the government after preserving DNA and other evidence that could help establish their identity,” Shah said in a social media post.
The move is aimed at giving families a chance to identify missing relatives even after unidentified victims have been buried. Authorities are also using identification numbers and other records to maintain information about recovered remains.
The problem has become increasingly urgent as hundreds of bodies have been recovered far from the areas where the floods began. Some remains were badly damaged or buried under mud and debris, making identification more difficult.
Nearly 2,500 People Still Missing
According to the latest NDRRMA figures, 2,498 people remain unaccounted for, including 589 foreign nationals. The missing include hydropower workers, local residents, tourists and other people who were in the affected areas when the floods struck.
Among the recovered bodies, Chitwan has recorded the highest number with 259, followed by Nawalparasi East with 184 and Nawalparasi West with 82. Bodies have also been recovered in Gorkha, Nuwakot, Dhading, Tanahun and Rasuwa.
Thousands of Security Personnel Deployed
Nepal has expanded its rescue operation as teams continue searching rivers, villages and damaged infrastructure.
The latest official figures show that 19,895 security personnel have been involved in rescue and relief operations, while 8,186 people have been rescued so far. Helicopters are being used to reach locations cut off by destroyed roads and debris.
Rescue teams have also been working around hydropower facilities, where hundreds of workers are among those reported missing. At least 279 hydropower workers have been airlifted from tunnels, while 227 foreign nationals have also been evacuated, according to NDRRMA figures.
Fresh Flood Warning Adds to Rescue Challenges
The situation remains dangerous even as search teams continue their work.
Authorities have warned of rising water levels in the Bhotekoshi River, particularly in areas including Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. Rescue personnel and residents in vulnerable locations have been asked to remain alert and move to safer areas if conditions worsen.
Heavy mud, damaged roads, unstable terrain and continuing water flows are making it difficult for rescue workers to reach some of the worst-hit locations.
India Steps Up Assistance
India has also intensified its support for Nepal following the disaster, sending specialised personnel and relief assistance to help with rescue operations.
An Indian team, including National Disaster Response Force personnel, has been involved in efforts to assist Nepal, particularly in difficult rescue locations.
Nepal has also received offers of assistance from several other countries as authorities struggle to cope with the scale of destruction.
The disaster has left thousands of families waiting for information about missing relatives, while rescue workers continue searching through flood-hit areas. With the number of missing people still exceptionally high, authorities fear the final toll could rise further as search operations continue.
