Death toll tops 1,000 after Nepal flooding, as search continues for thousands

More than 1,000 people were officially declared dead and nearly 4,000 others were missing in Nepal following catastrophic flash floods last week, according to authorities. At least 1,003 bodies had been recovered by Tuesday afternoon, the Nepal National Disaster Management Authority announced on social media. Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that at least 16 people had perished in the disaster.

The flooding, triggered by a wall of ice, water and debris from the mountains, led to the destruction of towns and structures, particularly in the northern Rasuwa district bordering Tibet. Of the 3,916 people reported missing, nearly 747 were tourists, including 583 foreigners. American nationals were also affected, with about 75 still missing near the Nepal-Tibet border and 14 rescued as of Tuesday.

Emergency responders were combing tunnels, such as those at the Langtang Hydropower Project, for survivors. The Nepali Army deployed over 9,200 troops to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts across several districts, including Rasuwa, Dhading, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi East. Mass graves were being prepared for the deceased, with 199 bodies buried in Chitwan and an additional 80 more to follow.

The United Nations reported that 65,000 individuals needed emergency water, sanitation, or hygiene support, while 22,000 children required protection, and 2,600 under-fives needed treatment for severe wasting. Around 10,500 pregnant and breastfeeding women required nutritional assistance, and family tracing and reunification efforts for approximately 107 separated children were deemed urgent priorities.