Nepal Releases Details of Missing Nationals and Foreigners Following August Floods

Nepal has released official details of 2,294 nationals from 32 districts and 171 foreign nationals from seven countries who remain missing following the devastating flash floods on August 26. The announcement comes a month after the government concluded a 40-day search and rescue operation for victims of the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the floods resulted in at least 1,455 deaths and left 5,285 people missing. The newly published list includes only those individuals whose missing status has been verified by the respective District Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees. No further information was provided regarding individuals not included in this verified list.

The NDRRMA has requested that if any individual listed as missing is found alive or located, they or their immediate family members must submit a claim within seven days. Geographically, the highest number of missing Nepali nationals—totaling 1,538—are from the Rasuwa district.

Regarding foreign nationals, the NDRRMA published data for 171 individuals from seven countries. The breakdown includes 54 from Malaysia and Ukraine combined, 33 from Australia, 11 from Russia, nine from South Korea, eight from Germany, and two from Italy. The authority noted that it has not yet received a confirmed list of missing Indian nationals from the Indian Embassy.

The compilation process for the list involved local governments and district committees for domestic nationals, while information regarding foreign nationals was gathered through the Department of Consular Services and diplomatic missions. The NDRRMA stated that a revised notice will be issued once additional details are received from the 32 district administration offices and relevant diplomatic missions.

The flash floods, which originated near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, caused widespread destruction across northern and central Nepal. The Bhotekoshi River carried floodwaters downstream, destroying homes, vehicles, roads, bridges, and hydropower projects. Following the conclusion of rescue operations on October 5, authorities shifted focus toward rehabilitation and reconstruction in the affected regions.

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