Nepal’s devastating flash floods have entered their fifth day, with the death toll climbing to 788 and more than 2,500 people still missing across multiple districts. The scale of destruction continues to grow as rescuers recover bodies from eight affected regions and race to locate those still stranded in remote, mountainous terrain.
India has so far rescued 149 nationals, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which published an updated list of evacuees. However, more than 275 Indians and 128 persons of Indian origin remain missing or non‑contactable, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster on cross‑border travellers, workers and pilgrims.
India’s specialised teams have joined Nepal’s emergency response. A tunnel rescue unit is working with the Nepali Army at hydropower tunnel sites in Chilime and Langtang, where dozens are feared trapped. Additionally, a 19‑member forensic team from India has begun operations in Kathmandu to support DNA analysis for identifying victims. The team is coordinating with Nepal’s Central Forensic Science Laboratory and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital to accelerate identification of recovered remains.
The floods were triggered by a massive Himalayan event that unleashed torrents of water, mud and debris, sweeping away settlements, roads and infrastructure. With thousands still missing, search operations remain urgent and complex, hampered by unstable terrain and continuing rainfall.