Nepal Flash Flood Death Toll Climbs to 1,344 as Rescue, Relief Operations Continue
Kathmandu (Nepal), September 5, 2026, BNN Web Staff: The death toll from the devastating flash floods that struck Nepal on August 26 has climbed to 1,344, Nepal Police said on Saturday, as rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations continue across affected areas.
Nepal Police released the updated casualty figure through a post on X, as authorities continue to assess the widespread destruction caused by the floods.
The disaster has severely disrupted life in several parts of the country, while the focus has now also shifted to growing public health concerns. Flooding has damaged drinking water infrastructure, raising fears of contamination and the spread of waterborne and other communicable diseases.
According to The Kathmandu Post, five of 15 drinking water sources in flood-hit Bidur have tested positive for E. coli. Authorities are considering a cholera vaccination drive for around 100,000 vulnerable people, while more than 75,000 children may be covered under a measles vaccination campaign.
Bidur is among the areas badly affected by the Bhote Koshi floods. Besides the heavy loss of life, entire settlements have reportedly been swept away, while roads, bridges and drinking water systems have suffered extensive damage.
Public health experts have warned that the post-flood environment could increase the risk of communicable, vector-borne and non-communicable diseases. They have urged authorities to strengthen preventive healthcare and relief measures, particularly for children, elderly people and those already living with non-communicable diseases.
Nepal Announces Financial Assistance
As rehabilitation efforts gather pace, the Nepal Government has announced immediate financial assistance for some of the worst-hit areas.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has allocated NPR 10 million each to Rasuwa and Nuwakot, while NPR 5 million has been sanctioned for Dhading. A further NPR 135 million has been distributed among 15 affected local governments.
US Lawmakers Seek Greater Relief Efforts
The disaster has also drawn calls for greater international assistance. A group of US lawmakers on Friday urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to expand American search-and-rescue and humanitarian operations in Nepal.
The lawmakers called for the deployment of a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), additional humanitarian aid and preparations for substantial reconstruction assistance as Nepal continues to deal with the scale of the disaster.
India Continues Rescue and Medical Support
India’s specialised tunnel rescue and medical teams are continuing search and relief operations in coordination with the Nepalese Army.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said India remains committed to supporting Nepal’s recovery efforts. He highlighted India’s humanitarian assistance, specialised tunnel rescue teams and the deployment of a 19-member forensic team to assist with the response.
Srivastava also said India had mobilised five relief flights carrying emergency supplies following the August 26 floods, with direct communication with Nepal’s leadership beginning soon after the disaster.
As rescue and rehabilitation operations continue, Nepalese authorities are working to determine the full extent of the destruction while tackling urgent challenges involving displaced communities, damaged infrastructure, drinking water safety and the risk of disease outbreaks.
