The death toll from the catastrophic floods that swept through Nepal has risen to 1,252, while at least 4,216 people remain unaccounted for, according to figures compiled by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) as of Thursday noon.

The highest number of deaths has been recorded in Chitwan, with 355 bodies recovered, followed by Nawalparasi East with 218, Nawalparasi West with 208 and Nuwakot with 177. Rasuwa, where the disaster began, has recorded 127 deaths.

Bodies have also been recovered in Gorkha, Dhading and Tanahun. Only 95 of the 1,252 bodies recovered so far have been identified and handed over to families.

Thousands remain unaccounted for

Those still out of contact include foreign nationals, hydropower workers, security personnel and government employees. Nearly 900 hydropower workers alone are reported to be unaccounted for.

The missing-person figures are expected to change as authorities verify reports from affected communities and receive further information from the field.

Rescue operations continue

More than 21,000 security personnel have been deployed for search, rescue and relief operations.

Authorities say 11,913 people have been rescued so far. The Nepali Army has airlifted 4,364 people in 715 helicopter flights, including 273 foreign nationals. Private helicopter operators have carried out a further 129 emergency flights.

More than 5,000 injured survivors have received treatment from hospitals and medical teams deployed by the Nepali Army and Armed Police Force.

About 3,950 displaced people are sheltering in temporary centres in Nuwakot, Dhading, Rasuwa and Kathmandu.

Relief supplies are being sent by road and helicopter to communities cut off by damaged roads and bridges. Telecommunications services are also being restored across the disaster zone, with Nepal Telecom reporting that all 110 of its damaged towers are back in operation and Ncell having restored 75 of 78 damaged sites.