Nepal’s devastating flash floods have claimed at least 903 lives, while more than 2,500 people are still reported missing, authorities said on Monday as rescue and recovery teams continue working across several affected districts.
The scale of the disaster remains unclear because difficult terrain, damaged infrastructure and dangerous river conditions are slowing down rescue operations and the recovery of bodies.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the highest number of recovered bodies has been reported from Chitwan, where 272 deaths have been recorded. Another 207 bodies were recovered from Nawalparasi East, while 151 were found in Nawalparasi West.
The official figures also include 95 bodies from Nuwakot, 62 from Gorkha, 55 from Dhading, 37 from Tanahu and 24 from Rasuwa.
Fresh Flood Warning Adds to Rescue Challenges
Even as teams continue searching for missing people, authorities have issued new warnings about the possibility of further flooding.
Residents in vulnerable areas received alerts after officials detected rising water levels in the Bhotekoshi River, raising concerns about additional damage and making rescue operations more difficult.
Another flood was reported in the Trishuli River on Sunday. The surge reportedly swept away a suspension bridge linking Ghyalchowk in Gandaki Rural Municipality-8 of Gorkha district with Charaudi along the Prithvi Highway.
The loss of the bridge has added another obstacle to movement and relief operations in the disaster-hit region.
PM Balendra Shah Calls Situation ‘Unimaginable’
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah described the crisis as an “unimaginable and heartbreaking” disaster as authorities struggle to assess the full extent of the destruction.
In a late-night social media message, Shah said the devastation along the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa had made it extremely difficult to establish the complete scale of casualties and damage.
He said: “The devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa have made it extremely difficult to collect a complete account of the loss of life, property, and infrastructure.”
Shah said rescue teams were facing multiple challenges, including difficult weather conditions, difficult terrain and continuing risks in affected areas.
He added: “Although this task remains challenging due to adverse weather, difficult terrain, and ongoing risks, we are moving forward with determination to protect the lives of the citizens.”
Rescue Teams Remain on High Alert
With rivers continuing to rise in some locations, authorities have urged residents and rescue personnel to remain cautious.
The latest death toll is expected to change as teams reach areas that remain difficult to access and continue efforts to locate missing people.
The government is also facing the challenge of restoring damaged roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure while continuing search, rescue and relief operations.
For families still waiting for information about missing relatives, the ongoing search remains the most urgent priority as Nepal confronts one of its worst recent flood disasters.
