Nepal’s Flood Nightmare: 903 Dead, Thousands Still Unaccounted For

New Delhi, August 31, 2026 The devastating floods along the Nepal-Tibet border have turned into a major humanitarian crisis, with at least 903 people losing their lives and more than 3,000 still missing. Nepal’s foreign ministry said 886 people have been rescued so far, while search and rescue operations remain underway. Around 400 foreign nationals are also among those reported missing. The disaster has left hundreds of workers stranded at hydropower projects. Nepal’s disaster management authority said at least 933 workers are believed to be trapped at around half a dozen projects. The danger has also persisted, with residents receiving fresh flood warnings after the Bhotekoshi River rose. Chinese authorities informed Nepal about increased upstream water flow, while officials warned of a "high risk of flash floods" in Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts. Rescue efforts have received international support, with tunnel rescue teams from India, China and the Republic of Korea being sent to evacuate people trapped inside tunnels. Nepal’s foreign ministry said its immediate national priority remains clear: to save lives, locate missing persons, rescue those trapped, provide urgent relief to survivors, and ensure that affected Nepali and foreign nationals receive appropriate assistance and support. India has separately stepped up efforts to assist its citizens and Nepal. The Ministry of External Affairs said 149 Indians had been rescued in Nepal. “Furthermore, 598 Indian nationals have safely crossed into Nepal from China in the last two days, as per local government sources in China. Around 900 Indian nationals are still on the Chinese side but are safe and contactable,” an MEA release dated August 29 had said. India has also sent more than 68 tonnes of emergency relief supplies through four military flights, underlining its “Neighbourhood First” approach. The tragedy has also prompted prayers for the victims and those still awaiting rescue. At a long-life prayer ceremony held at the Shewatsel Teaching Ground in Leh, Ladakh, the Dalai Lama expressed deep concern over the disaster and prayed for those who lost their lives, those still missing and people affected by the tragedy. As rescue teams continue their operations, the immediate challenge remains to find those unaccounted for, evacuate stranded people and deliver relief to communities devastated by the floods.