Death toll from Nepal floods rises to 289
A house is covered in mud from floodwaters in Trishuli in Nepal’s Nuwakot district on August 26, 2026. Photo: Reuters
The death toll from Wednesday’s devastating floods in Nepal has risen to 289. The country’s police department reported the figure in its latest social media update.
The police department said in a statement Thursday afternoon that 289 bodies had so far been recovered from various affected areas.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said another 826 people remain missing in the country.
China’s state broadcaster CCTV also reported that the number of people missing after landslides in Tibet’s Gyirong County has risen to 558. Among them are 260 foreign nationals.
About 100 Chinese nationals are among those missing in Nepal, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Thursday afternoon.
He said China is maintaining close communication with Nepal and is jointly assisting with rescue and search operations. He also said emergency assistance would be provided according to Nepal’s needs.
It is not yet clear whether any of the people on China’s list are also included in Nepal’s missing persons list.
David Fisher, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delegation in Nepal, said the situation in areas affected by Wednesday’s floods remains ‘extremely critical.’
Speaking to the BBC’s 5 Live Breakfast, he said some areas in northern Nepal can now only be reached by helicopter because bridges and roads have been destroyed by the floods.
Fisher said one of their teams had reached an area somewhat south of the affected region and was able to establish contact with local volunteers.
He said, “It is very clear to us that there are a lot of urgent needs. Many people had to spend last night out in the open.”
He also said entire villages and market areas had been swept away by floodwaters. He expressed concern that the death toll could rise further.
Source: BBC and Kathmandu Post (Adapted)
