Nepal Mourns 1,342 Flood Dead, Thousands Missing

Nepal observed a national day of mourning on Sept. 7, 2026, for victims of the devastating Aug. 26 flash floods and ice-rock avalanche in the Bhotekoshi River and adjoining districts. The disaster killed at least 1,342 people, left nearly 5,000 missing and injured more than 6,000, while displacing families and destroying homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other infrastructure. Authorities flew the national flag at half-staff at government offices and diplomatic missions, marking the 13th day after the disaster in accordance with Hindu mourning traditions. More than 21,000 security personnel and international rescue teams continue searching difficult and damaged terrain, including hydropower tunnels, while authorities have rescued roughly 13,400 people and worked to identify recovered bodies. The floods affected Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other areas along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system, creating a major recovery and humanitarian challenge.