KATHMANDU, September 10, 2026: The official Nepal flood toll rose to 1,367 bodies recovered as search teams continued work along the Bhote Koshi river system, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in its latest situation report. Around 5,100 people were still listed as missing, while 13,646 people, including more than 300 foreign nationals, had been rescued.
The August 26 disaster caused extensive damage across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other districts, destroying or damaging homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and communication links. The figures remain provisional because recovery, identification and verification are continuing across a wide and difficult mountain corridor.
Search operation enters a difficult phase
More than two weeks after the flood, teams are working through unstable debris, damaged tunnels and areas cut off by landslides. Nepal said three people had been rescued alive from hydropower tunnels: two Nepali workers on September 4 and a Chinese national on September 5. Those rescues offered rare hope during an operation increasingly focused on locating missing people and identifying remains.
The government said only a portion of the recovered bodies had been formally identified. Authorities are using photographs, documents, fingerprints and DNA samples where visual identification is not possible. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has also published the procedures required before the remains of foreign nationals can be released to families.
India sends an additional relief tranche
Indian media reported that New Delhi dispatched another 35 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, specialised rescue equipment and personnel, described as the eighth special flight sent since the disaster. India had already delivered emergency supplies and medicines in earlier tranches and has been coordinating with Nepali agencies on rescue and forensic work.
The assistance reflects the practical importance of open transport routes and close coordination between the two neighbours. Relief items must move from airports and border points to mountain communities where roads have been washed away. Helicopters remain essential for isolated locations, but bad weather, narrow valleys and limited landing areas can slow deliveries.
Restoring roads, power and communications
Nepal’s situation update said work was progressing on an Acrow bridge over the Tadi River along the Galchhi-Trishuli road. Restoring this route is important for moving food, medical supplies, fuel and construction material into the affected region. Electricity and telecommunications repairs are also central to reconnecting families and confirming the status of people still reported missing.
The disaster has affected Nepali nationals on the Chinese side of the border as well. The foreign ministry said hundreds had returned through the Tatopani crossing and officials were coordinating with Chinese authorities to facilitate further returns.
Why the numbers may continue to change
Casualty figures in a disaster of this scale can move in both directions. Bodies may be recovered from new locations, duplicate missing-person entries may be reconciled, and people previously out of contact may reach authorities after communications return. Responsible reporting should therefore use the time and source of each update rather than presenting any early figure as final.
- Official update time: 2 p.m. Nepal time on September 9.
- Bodies recovered: 1,367.
- People listed as missing: around 5,100.
- People rescued: 13,646, including more than 300 foreigners.
- Immediate priorities: search, identification, relief delivery and connectivity.
Information for affected families
Nepal’s foreign ministry is operating an Emergency Control Room for citizens and families seeking information. Because phone numbers, names and identification records are sensitive, people should use official government channels and avoid posting documents publicly on social media.
The Press of Asia extends condolences to families affected by the catastrophe and will continue to distinguish confirmed government data from estimates circulating online.
Sources
Nepal Ministry of Foreign Affairs situation update; Embassy of India identification guidance; report on the latest Indian relief tranche. Follow our Asia coverage.
The International Desk covers world and Asian affairs, diplomacy and conflict, with a focus on what they mean for India. Stories are checked against at least two credible sources before publication.
