Nepal Flood Crisis: Fresh Gorkha Alert as Death Toll Reaches 1,344, Damage Estimated at Rs 400 Billion

September 6, 2026

Kathmandu: Nepal’s devastating flood crisis took a fresh turn on Sunday as authorities issued an alert along the Budhigandaki River basin following a flash flood in the mountainous Gorkha district, even as the death toll from the August 26 disaster climbed to 1,344.

The latest alert was triggered after floodwaters in the Therang River swept away four houses and a suspension bridge in Chumanubri Rural Municipality-4 and 2, according to officials. No casualties were reported in the fresh incident, while authorities urged communities downstream along the Budhigandaki basin to remain vigilant.

1,344 Bodies Recovered, Around 5,000 Still Missing

According to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1,344 bodies have so far been recovered from areas affected by the catastrophic floods, while around 5,000 people remain missing, including approximately 600 foreign nationals from 35 countries. More than 13,000 people have been rescued so far.

Rescue teams continue to search heavily damaged areas and hydropower projects, where workers were trapped after the floods sent massive volumes of ice, rock and mud downstream. Recent operations have also produced remarkable rescues, including a Chinese national pulled alive from a 225-metre-deep hydropower tunnel after being trapped for 10 days.

Rs 400 Billion Damage Estimate

The scale of destruction has also become clearer, with Nepal’s initial Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment estimating losses from the August 26 Bhotekoshi flood at around Rs 400 billion. The figure covers damage to infrastructure, housing, social sectors, agriculture and other parts of the economy.

The government has formed a committee to prepare a detailed Post Disaster Needs Assessment, which is expected to provide a more comprehensive estimate of the damage and the resources required for reconstruction and rehabilitation. The final assessment could vary significantly from the initial estimate.

Rescue Operations Continue Amid Fresh Flood Threat

The latest developments underline the continuing risks faced by communities already affected by the disaster. Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has active warning information in place, while authorities continue monitoring river levels and weather conditions.

The August 26 disaster, believed to have been triggered by a major ice and rock collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border, caused catastrophic flooding along the Trishuli and Bhotekoshi river systems. Homes, bridges, roads and hydropower infrastructure were destroyed across several districts.

With thousands still missing and fresh flooding reported in Gorkha, rescue teams remain engaged in search operations while authorities focus on preventing further loss of life and beginning the massive reconstruction effort.