KATHMANDU, September 16, 2026 - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has reported 1,399 deaths and 5,179 people still missing in the devastating Rasuwa–Bhote Koshi flood disaster, according to its Search, Rescue and Relief Update issued at 7:00 PM on September 15, 2026.
The official update shows that the disaster continues to affect communities across several districts, with the highest number of recorded deaths in Chitwan (364), Nawalparasi East (232), Nawalparasi West (222), Nuwakot (202), Rasuwa (189), Gorkha (78), Dhading (72) and Tanahun (38). Two additional deaths were recorded during treatment in Kathmandu.
Of the total fatalities, NDRRMA reported 336 females, 544 males and 519 unidentified human remains. Authorities have collected 1,286 DNA samples from deceased persons and 1,889 samples from relatives to support identification and reunification efforts.
More than 13,700 people rescued
The authorities have so far rescued 13,742 people, while 343 people remain under treatment at 19 hospitals and 282 have been discharged. Treatment has been provided by various security agencies, with 9,496 people receiving medical care.
Search and rescue operations remain active, including extensive air operations. The Nepal Army has conducted 1,561 helicopter flights, including 30 flights on September 15, while 320 additional flights have been reported in affected areas.
The disaster has also left thousands of people in temporary holding centres. NDRRMA reports 30 holding centres, accommodating 2,155 people-including 1,236 in Nuwakot, 825 in Rasuwa and 94 in Dhading.
Relief continues as recovery challenges grow
Relief materials, including food and non-food supplies, continue to be dispatched to affected districts by road and air. NDRRMA says government agencies, non-governmental organisations, private-sector actors, development partners and civil society organisations are supporting the response.
An Acrow bridge has been installed and brought into operation at Devighat, Nuwakot, helping restore critical connectivity after the destruction of bridges and roads.
The Government of Nepal has also announced additional cash support for families unable to remain in holding centres. According to the NDRRMA update, eligible families will receive NPR 15,000 per month for up to six months for families of up to four members, with an additional NPR 2,000 per member beyond four.
The scale of the disaster remains enormous. Earlier government updates described extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure along the Bhote Koshi corridor, while international reporting has highlighted the continuing uncertainty faced by thousands of families searching for missing relatives.
The latest figures underline that, even weeks after the August 26 disaster, search, identification, humanitarian relief and safe resettlement remain urgent priorities for Nepal.
Source: National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Rasuwa Flood: Search, Rescue and Relief Update, September 15, 2026, 7:00 PM.
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