World||October 6, 2026 / 11:14 AM

Nepal ends search operations after glacial collapse kills over 1,400

AKIPRESS.COM – Nepal has officially concluded search and rescue operations following a catastrophic August 26 glacier collapse on Mount Langtang Lirung and subsequent flooding, transitioning efforts to recovery.

Authorities report at least 1,455 confirmed deaths, nearly 13,800 people rescued, and more than 5,285 missing, with officials preparing legal measures to declare the missing deceased so surviving families can finalize legal, banking, and insurance matters.

The disaster triggered mudslides that devastated six Nepalese regions and parts of Tibet, destroying 12 hydropower plants, bridges, roads, and entire settlements.

Reconstruction costs are estimated at $4.78 billion—roughly 12% of Nepal’s GDP—including $2.58 billion required solely for power grid repairs, prompting Prime Minister Balendra Shah to call for urgent international aid at the UN General Assembly.