New data: Death toll in Nepal and Tibet rises above 600, at least 2,400 missing
The death toll from flooding in the Nepal–China border region rose to at least 623 people by the morning of August 29. According to official data, there are 616 fatalities in Nepal and at least seven in Tibet. A total of at least 2,478 people are missing.
Saturday, 29 August 2026 09:23
Latest developments
The death toll in Nepal has risen sharply. As recently as Friday, the discovery of 579 deceased was reported, but by early Saturday morning, police had confirmed 616 deaths. Some bodies have been found far downstream from the disaster zone, including in Nepal's Chitwan district.
The number of missing persons also increased, primarily in Nepal. The Nepal Disaster Management Authority added 933 hydropower sector workers to the missing list, bringing Nepal's figure to 1,924. The list includes local residents, laborers, and pilgrims and hikers who were traveling to or from the Kailash region.
Clarity is lacking regarding the number of injured. Nepalese health and police sources had previously reported at least 466 injuries. Meanwhile, later reports speak of more than 150 people being hospitalized and thousands being rescued by helicopter. These figures are not necessarily comparable, as some of those rescued may not be injured.
Information from the Tibetan side is more limited. According to the latest report from Chinese state media, at least seven people have died and 554 are missing in Gyirong. A comprehensive official figure for injuries on the Chinese side has not been released.
Region | Deceased | Injured | Missing / Contact lost | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nepal | 616 | At least 466 previously registered injured; some are hospitalized or evacuated | 1,924, including at least 517 foreigners | Data from Nepal Police and the Nepal Disaster Management Authority; numbers change as searches progress. |
China – Tibet, Gyirong County | At least 7 | A separate up-to-date official injury count has not been publicly reported | 554 | Data based on Chinese state media; access for foreign journalists to the region is strictly limited. |
Total | At least 623 | Confirmed minimum of at least 466, but this is predominantly Nepal's earlier figure | At least 2,478 |
Figures are certain to increase as rescuers work in difficult-to-access mountainous terrain, many roads, bridges, and communication links have been destroyed, and the region is threatened by rain and potential new flash floods. Figures from different authorities may temporarily diverge because some individuals may remain on missing lists before their location or status is confirmed.
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