Nepal Mourns Flood Victims as Over 1,340 Dead and Nearly 5,000 Missing

Nepal observed a national day of mourning on Monday for the victims of the devastating Rasuwa flash floods, which have claimed more than 1,340 lives, while nearly 5,000 people remain missing.

The nationwide tribute came on the 13th day after the disaster, which struck northern and central Nepal on August 26 following an ice-rock avalanche in the high Himalayas. The flash floods severely affected Rasuwa, which shares a border with China, along with several adjoining districts.

Authorities said thousands of people are still unaccounted for, including hundreds of foreign nationals. Search and rescue teams continue to carry out large-scale operations across the worst-hit regions as efforts intensify to locate survivors and recover bodies.

The government declared September 7 a national day of mourning for those killed in floods that swept through Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other areas along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems.

As part of the national tribute, flags were ordered to be flown at half-mast at government offices across Nepal and at Nepali diplomatic missions abroad.

The disaster caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, roads, bridges, hydropower projects, government buildings and other essential infrastructure. Rescue teams have also been searching inside hydropower tunnels, where some people are feared to have been trapped.

According to the government, around 32,000 families have been displaced, while nearly 7,500 homes have been completely destroyed. Livelihoods and essential services across large parts of central Nepal have also been severely affected.

The Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been deployed for search, rescue and relief operations. International teams, including specialist rescue personnel from neighbouring countries, have also joined efforts in the affected areas.

India is among the countries assisting Nepal's rescue operations, particularly in efforts to locate people believed to be trapped inside damaged hydropower tunnels.

The scale of the disaster has made it one of Nepal's deadliest natural calamities in recent years, with authorities continuing rescue and recovery work despite difficult terrain and widespread infrastructure damage.

Nepal's national day of mourning served as a tribute to those who lost their lives, while thousands of families continue to wait for news of their missing relatives. Rescue operations remain underway as the country faces the enormous task of recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of the devastating floods.