Nepal Flood and Landslide Death Toll Passes 1,250; Thousands Missing

The death toll from catastrophic floods and landslides in Nepal has risen to 1,252, with police reporting 4,875 people still missing. These figures were released by Nepal's police and confirmed by China's CCTV on September 3rd. The Chitwan district has reported the highest number of fatalities with 355 bodies recovered. Other affected districts include Eastern Nawalparasi (218 deaths), Western Nawalparasi (208 deaths, including 18 bodies found in India and returned to Nepal), Nuwakot (177), Rasuwa (127), Gorkha (69), Dhading (60), and Tanahu (38).

The search and rescue operation has been ongoing for nine days since the disaster struck on August 26th. The catastrophe began when an ice and rock mass collapsed near the Nepal-China border, unleashing a torrent of water, mud, and stones down a river valley. This flow devastated settlements and infrastructure, with areas along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers being particularly hard-hit.

Separately, search operations are continuing in Chinese Tibet, where authorities report 16 deaths and 546 missing persons. Among the missing in Tibet are 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively searching for two Israeli citizens. One is Ron Cohen, 60, who lost contact in the Tibet region. On August 31st, the ministry announced that Katerina Sakovich, 41, a dual citizen of Israel and Belarus, is also considered missing. An Israeli consul in Kathmandu and the department for Israelis Abroad are coordinating with families and local authorities.