Bhotekoshi flood death toll rises to 626, Over 2,400 still missing

The death toll from Wednesday’s devastating Bhotekoshi flood and subsequent flooding downstream has risen to 626, while 2,426 people remain unaccounted for, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

With search teams continuing to reach previously inaccessible areas, authorities fear the death toll could rise further as additional victims are recovered.

In its latest update issued at 10 a.m. Saturday, the authority said 4,451 people had been rescued and 101 injured people were receiving treatment in hospitals. Among those still missing are 27 police personnel.

A total of 15,224 security personnel have been deployed for search, rescue and relief operations across the affected areas.

Search and rescue operations are continuing in the worst-affected districts. Police teams are working with local residents and other agencies to locate missing people and assist those stranded by the floods.

Authorities are also relocating families from high-risk areas to safer locations. Efforts are underway to clear roads blocked by flood debris and landslides to restore access and enable relief supplies to reach affected communities.The disaster struck Rasuwa and neighbouring districts in northern Nepal on Wednesday morning, sending a powerful surge of water and debris into the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. The flooding swept away homes, bridges, roads and other infrastructure, leaving communities and travellers stranded in several areas.