Death toll climbs to 270, still hundreds missing, thousands displaced

The death toll from the devastating floods along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system has climbed to 270, while at least 826 people remain out of contact and thousands have been displaced, according to the latest figures from government authorities.

The floods, which struck on August 26, tore through Rasuwa and other districts before surging downstream along the Trishuli and Narayani river systems, causing widespread destruction to settlements, roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

According to the Nepal Police, 270 bodies had been recovered as of Thursday afternoon. However, the number of bodies recovered in Chitwan alone had risen to 121 by 3 p.m. Thursday, up from the 108 reported earlier.

The latest police figures had recorded 17 deaths in Rasuwa, 12 in Nuwakot, 27 in Dhading, 20 in Gorkha, nine in Tanahun, 62 in Nawalparasi East and 15 in Nawalparasi West.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said 826 people remain out of contact, including local residents, security personnel and domestic and foreign tourists. The missing include 44 Nepal Army personnel, 28 Nepal Police personnel and 13 members of the Armed Police Force Nepal.

Hundreds of foreign nationals still missing

Among those still unaccounted for are 476 foreign nationals from 28 countries as of 10 a.m. Thursday. 

Indian nationals account for the largest group, with 177 people reported missing, followed by 63 Americans, 53 Ukrainians, 34 Australians, 33 Britons, 28 Malaysians and 25 Canadians.

Others reported missing include nationals from Germany, Singapore, South Africa, New Zealand, Russia, Japan, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and Portugal.

China has separately reported concerns over the whereabouts of its citizens in Nepali side. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said around 100 Chinese nationals were believed to be out of contact following the disaster. The Chinese Embassy in Nepal is coordinating with Nepali authorities to verify the information and assist in the search.

Around 1,500 families displaced in Nuwakot

The disaster has left thousands of people homeless. According to Nuwakot Chief District Officer Shambhu Prasad Regmi, around 1,500 families have been displaced in Nuwakot alone as a result of the floods.

Families who have lost their homes and belongings are now waiting for safe shelter and relief assistance. Many urgently need food, clean drinking water, healthcare and other essential supplies.

Trishuli, Dhunge Bazar and Devighat left in ruins

The destruction is particularly severe in the riverside areas of Nuwakot. Powerful currents and erosion have stripped away the foundations of homes and other structures, leaving many buildings in a precarious condition.

The once-bustling riverside areas of Trishuli, Dhunge Bazar and Devighat have been transformed into scenes of devastation, with rubble, sand and debris replacing homes, businesses and other structures.

In several places, the river has eaten away the land directly beneath buildings. Structures that survived the initial flood are now at risk of collapse because their foundations have been severely undermined.

Search and rescue continues

Nepal's security agencies have intensified search and rescue operations across the affected areas. More than 8,000 security personnel have been deployed, according to the latest government figures.

Many affected communities remain difficult to reach after floods and landslides damaged roads and bridges. Authorities are continuing to search for missing people while updating casualty and displacement figures.

The injured are being treated at hospitals in Kathmandu and elsewhere. At Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, 26 injured people were receiving treatment, while 20 were being treated at the Trauma Centre and two at Bir Hospital. Fourteen injured people have been discharged after receiving treatment.

As rescue operations continue, authorities warn that the casualty and missing-person figures may change as teams reach more affected areas and verify reports. The scale of destruction has also left thousands of survivors in urgent need of shelter, food, clean drinking water, healthcare and other essential assistance.