Nepal Flash Floods: Death toll rises to 675; Nearly 2,400 missing, Fresh alert issued for Bhote Koshi river

Nepal’s flash flood death toll has risen to 675 as search and rescue operations continue amid renewed rainfall and fears of further flooding. Nearly 2,400 people remain missing, including at least 320 foreign nationals. More than 4,400 people have been rescued or evacuated, including 261 foreign tourists who had lost contact.

Akashvani correspondent reports that the Nepal Police reported that 675 bodies have been recovered from eight districts, with the highest numbers reported in Chitawan, Nawalparasi East, and Nawalparasi West. Over 15,000 security personnel have been deployed, while helicopters are carrying out repeated sorties to rescue stranded people and deliver relief supplies. According to officials in the hard-hit Rasuwa district, search and rescue operations resumed yesterday after being temporarily halted because of rain and fog.

The Nepal government has issued a fresh alert for flooding in the Bhote Koshi River and urged residents living along the river to remain cautious. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has reported an increased flood flow in the river. The Rasuwa District Administration said it has heard an increase in water flow and advised people in areas near the Bhote Koshi River in the Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts to exercise caution. It said further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The Bhote Koshi is a fast-flowing Himalayan river originating in Tibet. Seven people have also died on the Chinese side of the border, with more than 550 reported missing. The Mugling-Kathmandu highway, a major road link connecting the capital with other parts of the country, reopened yesterday after remaining closed since Wednesday. But several other roads remain blocked or difficult to access.