Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal continues search and rescue operations on the thirteenth day, September 7, of the severe Bhote Koshi River Floods on 26 August 2026 that resulted in huge loss of lives, widespread displacement and extensive damage to houses, buildings, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other districts along the course of the river in Nepal.
Close coordination continues both domestically and with neighbouring and international partners for the effective search, rescue and relief operations. The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Hon. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal received telephone calls from their respective counterparts and other dignitaries from around the world. They have expressed sympathies and solidarity as well as support to Nepal and Nepali people at this difficult time.
Search and Rescue
The Government continues to mobilize all available means and resources at its disposal for search, rescue and relief operations. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force are fully mobilized alongside disaster-management authorities, provincial and local bodies and other relevant agencies.
Tunnel rescue teams from India, China, and South Korea continue to work in coordination with the Nepali Army. The teams from UAE and Malaysia have also joined the search and rescue operation. Rescue support equipment, drones, load carriers and materials received from neighbours, friendly countries and international community are being used for these operations.
Additional equipment and technical personnel are being deployed to continue search and rescue operations at the affected hydropower projects, including Upper Trishuli 1, Upper Trishuli 3A, Upper Trishuli 3B, Chilime, Rasuwagadhi and Langtang, among others.
Further Items Requested to International Community
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has further requested for high-capacity drones, LiDAR, bailey bridges, items for epidemic prevention, DNA testing kits, high-capacity surge pump, laboratory freezers, mud/tunnel rescue suits, among others.
Latest Figures as Reported by Agencies
As of recent updates, 13,396 people have been rescued so far, including over 300 foreigners. Four people have been rescued alive including 2 Nepali nationals from Upper Trishuli 3A tunnel on September 4; 1 Chinese national from Upper Trishuli 1 tunnel; and 1 Nepali national from a house in Betrawati on September 5. Around 5,000 people still remain missing, including approximately 600 foreigners from 35 countries. 1,355 bodies have been recovered from the flood-hit areas.
Efforts to Restore Connectivity
The authorities are said to be actively working on restoring road, electricity and telecommunication connectivity to the affected areas and on ensuring timely delivery of relief materials to the affected people. Additional supplies and assistance, including those coming from the international community, partners and individuals are being mobilised effectively.
The Nepali Army, together with a team of engineers, has been working to restore the Galchhi–Trishuli Road by constructing a temporary bridge over the Tadi River.
Support Received from International Community
Nepal has mobilized all resources at its disposal, but the Ministry does recognize that the scale and complexity of this disaster require continued international solidarity and support. Generous support has been provided from immediate neighbours, friendly countries, international organizations as well as philanthropists, including India, China, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States of America, Qatar, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Germany, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Maldives, Norway, Israel, Canada, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand, Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, Czech Republic as well as the European Union, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, United Nations and its specialized agencies, among others.
The Government stated to be deeply grateful for their timely solidarity and support.
RDNA and PDNA
A preliminary assessment conducted under the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) is being finalised, with input and feedback from all stakeholders, and the report will be published soon.
Similarly, given the scale and extent of the damage caused by this disaster, a comprehensive Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) is being simultaneously undertaken to determine the full extent of loss and damage and the costs for rebuilding and reconstruction.
Contributions from the search, rescue and relief efforts can be made through the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF). Nepali Missions abroad are also facilitating the collection of funds through their local accounts, which will subsequently be transferred to the PMDRF.
DNA Identification Process
Authorities concerned have temporarily buried recovered bodies, following necessary forensic procedures, to facilitate subsequent identification and the return of mortal remains to families for final rites.
Immediate family members of those missing are requested to contact Nepal Police Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, or the nearest District Police Office in Nepal or get their DNA profiles prepared in their country of residence and send it to [email protected]. The relevant countries have already been informed through diplomatic channels.
Forensic teams from India, China, Japan, Singapore and the Republic of Korea have joined Nepal Police and other relevant authorities to accelerate DNA collection, analysis and identification efforts.
Nepali Nationals in China Side
The Ministry and the Missions in China are closely coordinating with the Chinese authorities to facilitate the safe return of Nepali nationals affected by the flood who wish to return to Nepal.
As of September 6, a total of 536 Nepali nationals have returned to Nepal through the Tatopani border point, while 106 Nepali nationals are expected to return to Nepal today through the same border point.
Emergency Control Room
The Ministry and its Emergency Control Room (ECR) are closely coordinating with relevant agencies, our diplomatic missions and the families of missing foreign nationals.
