Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises to 734 as Rescue Efforts Continue for Fifth Day
Published : 11:44, 30 August 2026
The death toll from devastating floods and a glacial collapse in Nepal has risen to 734, while rescue operations continued for a fifth consecutive day amid difficult weather and challenging mountainous terrain.
The figures were reported by The Indian Express on Sunday (August 30), citing Nepali media reports.
According to the latest official figures, the combined death toll in Nepal and Tibet has reached 750, with more than 3,000 people still missing. In Nepal, 2,498 people remain unaccounted for. Chinese authorities have reported 16 deaths and 546 people missing in Tibet.
The disaster struck on Wednesday after a glacial collapse triggered a sudden flood across large areas along the Nepal-China border. Torrents of water and debris swept through villages and damaged critical infrastructure.
More than 3,700 people have so far been rescued in Nepal.
Rescue Efforts Focus on Trapped Hydropower Workers
Rescue teams are giving priority to a hydropower project area in Rasuwa district, where more than 100 workers are believed to be trapped inside tunnels.
Heavy rainfall and rising river levels have hampered the rescue operation. Nepal’s army has inserted a pipe into one of the tunnels in an attempt to supply air to those believed to be trapped inside, while excavation and rescue efforts continue.
Families of missing people are also facing an agonising wait for information. Relatives have gathered at army bases, hospitals and shelters in search of their loved ones.
Helicopters are being used to deliver food, clothing and essential supplies to affected areas, including Nuwakot. Rescue teams are also moving children, elderly people and stranded residents to safer locations.
Hydropower, Tourism Sectors Hit
The disaster has caused extensive damage to Nepal’s hydropower sector, tourism industry and important pilgrimage routes. Hundreds of foreign tourists and pilgrims are also reportedly among those missing.
Rescue operations have been complicated by the mountainous terrain, narrow gorges and continuing rainfall. Nepal has sought international assistance for tunnel rescue operations, forensic examinations and the identification of missing people.
Several countries, along with the United Nations, have announced emergency assistance and support for Nepal.
As rescue operations continue into the fifth day, Nepali officials warn that reconstruction costs could run into several billion dollars.
