World · India Bureau
Nepal flash floods death toll soars to 626; nearly 2,000 missing
Rescue operations in central Nepal continued into their fourth day Saturday as authorities confirmed 626 deaths from devastating flash floods that swept through eight districts. Nearly 2,000 people remain unaccounted for following Wednesday's disaster.
LSN India ·
The death toll from flash floods that devastated central Nepal climbed to 626 on Saturday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The catastrophic flooding struck the Himalayan nation on Wednesday, triggering widespread destruction across settlements, critical infrastructure, and transportation networks.
The majority of fatalities were recorded in Chitwan district, which accounted for 233 deaths, followed by Nawalparasi East with 158 deaths. Other affected districts included Nuwakot (51 deaths), Gorkha (48), Nawalparasi West (47), Dhading (45), Tanahu (31), and Rasuwa (13). The NDRRMA indicated that additional bodies were still being recovered from the affected areas.
Search and rescue teams have evacuated approximately 2,500 stranded people since the flooding began. However, nearly 2,000 individuals remain missing, prompting ongoing relief and recovery efforts across the region. Rising water levels at affected sites have complicated search operations, creating additional hazards for rescue personnel.
The flash floods caused significant damage to hydropower infrastructure, roads, and bridges throughout central Nepal. Authorities have maintained intensive search operations as the humanitarian crisis continues to develop in the affected districts.