The death toll from last week’s devastating floods and landslides in Nepal has crossed the 1,000 mark, with thousands of people still unaccounted for as rescue teams continue searching affected areas.
The disaster began on August 26, when a glacier-related event in the Himalayan region triggered sudden flooding across large parts of Nepal and China’s Tibet region. Powerful torrents and landslides swept away homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure, leaving many communities isolated.
According to the latest figures, 987 people have died in Nepal, while another 16 fatalities have been reported in Tibet. The combined death toll across the two regions has therefore reached at least 1,003.
Nepal has so far rescued at least 11,814 people, but more than 4,400 people remain missing. Authorities say 3,916 people are unaccounted for in Nepal, while another 546 are missing in Tibet.
Remote Areas Remain Difficult to Reach
The Trishuli and Bhote Koshi river basins are among the areas hit hardest by the disaster. Numerous roads and bridges have been destroyed, making access to isolated communities extremely difficult.
Rescue authorities are using helicopters to reach areas cut off from the main transportation network and to deliver emergency supplies.
Around 900 workers linked to several hydropower projects are also reportedly missing. Officials fear that nearly 500 of them could be trapped inside tunnels following the floods and landslides.
Rescue Efforts Continue in Tibet
Search operations are also underway across Tibet, where rescue workers are facing unstable mountain slopes, debris, powerful currents and narrow gorges.
Authorities have also reported difficulties identifying hundreds of recovered bodies. At least 726 recovered remains have yet to be identified, adding another challenge for families searching for missing relatives.
Despite rescue operations continuing for more than a week, the situation remains dangerous. Further heavy rainfall and the possibility of additional landslides could hamper rescue efforts and potentially push the death toll even higher.
