KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 05, 2026 : Nepal has concluded the main search and rescue operation launched after the devastating August 26 flash floods, which claimed at least 1,455 lives, and is now shifting its focus towards rehabilitation and reconstruction, officials said on Monday.
The decision was taken at the 21st meeting of the National Council of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah at the Singha Durbar Secretariat in Kathmandu, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
40-Day Search Operation Concluded
The government decided to wind up the 40-day search and rescue operation, while allowing essential search and rescue activities to continue wherever required.
The move follows assessments by several disaster-management and security bodies, including the District Security Committee, District Disaster Management Committees and the NDRRMA Executive Committee.
Field inspections and recommendations from authorities in the affected areas also contributed to the decision.
Focus Shifts to Recovery
With the large-scale search operation coming to an end, the government has directed concerned agencies to speed up rehabilitation and reconstruction in communities affected by the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods.
The next phase is expected to focus on restoring essential infrastructure, supporting displaced and affected families and rebuilding areas damaged by the disaster.
1,455 Dead, More Than 5,000 Missing
According to figures confirmed by the NDRRMA, the disaster has so far resulted in:
- 1,455 deaths
- 5,285 people missing
- 13,795 people rescued
The scale of the disaster has made the August 26 flash floods one of Nepal’s major recent humanitarian emergencies.
Authorities are now expected to concentrate on helping affected communities recover while continuing essential operations in cases where further search or emergency intervention remains necessary.
