Nepalese authorities announced on Wednesday that hopes of finding more survivors among thousands of missing people were fading, a week after an avalanche in the Himalayas caused devastating floods that killed more than 1,204 people and caused massive destruction in the mountainous country. The focus is now turning to reconstruction operations, amid fears of deteriorating humanitarian and health conditions, with estimates that the disaster left 2.2 million tons of rubble and displaced thousands of people.

Published on: 02/09/2026 - 08:26Last updated: 02/09/2026 - 16:51

Nepalese authorities reported on Wednesday that the chances of finding new survivors among thousands of missing people are slim, a week after an avalanche in the Himalayas caused sweeping floods that destroyed large parts of the mountainous country.

The disaster resulted in at least 1,204 deaths and 4,216 missing, while about four thousand are still missing, with officials fearing that many of them may be buried under the rubble and debris left by the torrents in the towns and valleys near the Chinese border.

Across the border in Tibet, China's official death toll has remained stable since Sunday at 16 deaths and 546 missing.

Read also: “I believe that my father is alive.” Nepali families search for their missing persons after devastating floods

Dwindling hope of finding survivors

“Hopes of finding survivors are dwindling,” said Phanendra Paudel, a senior official at the government’s National Emergency Operations Center. “We pray and hope. Hope is hope!”

Army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said that rescue teams are trying to find survivors believed to be trapped inside the tunnels of several hydroelectric power plants, the buildings of which include rooms and spaces for people to stay. Authorities said that 279 people were rescued from the ruins of hydroelectric projects, but at least 639 others are still missing, and some are believed to be trapped inside tunnels.

The focus shifts to reconstruction

“Given the nature of the disaster and the flood-hit area, the chances of finding survivors diminish as the days go by,” said Binuj Basnet, a retired senior army general who oversaw search and rescue operations during the 2015 earthquake that killed about 9,000 people.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah said the focus will shift from search, rescue and relief operations to restoration and reconstruction.

“The government is now focusing on restoration, while working to protect the lives of people in the affected areas and provide the necessary medical treatment and psychological support,” Shah said in a social media post late Tuesday.

According to a preliminary estimate by the United Nations Development Programme, the disaster left at least 2.2 million tons of debris, including parts of buildings, rocks and sediment, the equivalent of six buildings the size of the Empire State Building.

“The amount of rubble shows the extent of the destruction and the challenge faced by local communities as they remove rubble from homes, roads and public places and begin rebuilding,” the program said.

Risks to public health

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said aid agencies were “deeply concerned” about increasing public health risks resulting from overcrowded shelters, water contamination and damaged health facilities, particularly for women and children during the monsoon period.

Dujarric added in a regular UN press briefing on Tuesday that about 3,900 people are still missing, and that nearly 3,500 people are residing in 27 sites for displaced persons in the most affected areas of Nuwakot and Rassoa.

Shah said his government has strengthened surveillance and response measures to prevent possible disease outbreaks in flood-affected areas.

Climate change is a catalyst

A senior United Nations official said Tuesday that the Himalayan region faces serious risks from future glacier floods, a view echoed by Shah in his post.

"The international community must answer questions regarding why the ice and rocks collapsed and how this large amount of water arose," Shah said. China also linked the flood to climate change.

France 24/Reuters

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