Kathmandu | 29 Aug 2026
Poor weather halted helicopter operations and disrupted wider rescue efforts in flood-hit Nepal on Saturday, as authorities searched for thousands of missing people and Infosys confirmed that senior executive Lax Gopisetty remained unreachable.
Nepal flood rescue operations face severe weather
The disaster struck the Nepal–Tibet border region on 26 August after a glacier collapse sent a torrent of water, rocks, ice, mud and debris through mountain river systems, destroying homes, bridges, roads and power facilities.
Nepal’s disaster agency said the death toll in the country had reached 626, with 2,426 people reported missing. Seven deaths and hundreds of missing people were reported in Tibet. More than 3,700 people had been rescued in Nepal, according to the latest official figures cited by the Associated Press.
Rain, fog and difficult terrain prevented helicopters from operating in affected areas on Saturday. Ground teams continued working at several locations, including the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project in Rasuwa district, where authorities believe more than 100 people could be trapped inside a mud-filled tunnel.
Infosys Public Services chief Lax Gopisetty remains unreachable
Infosys said Lax Gopisetty, who heads its subsidiary Infosys Public Services, had travelled to the affected region in a personal capacity and could not be contacted. The company said it was coordinating with relevant agencies and supporting his family.
“We can confirm that our colleague Lax Gopisetty, who was visiting the region in a personal capacity, is currently not reachable.”
— Infosys statement
Infosys Public Services primarily works with public-sector organisations in the United States and Canada. No confirmed information about Gopisetty’s location or condition had been released by Saturday.
India sends relief and offers technical support
India has dispatched three flights carrying about 60 tonnes of relief supplies, including medicines, blankets, food and water-purification tablets. New Delhi also plans to send tunnel-rescue specialists and a medical team.
Nepal has requested specialised international assistance for tunnel rescues, restoring damaged transport and communication links, identifying bodies through DNA testing and improving temporary storage facilities. Authorities are also monitoring two upstream lakes because the danger of further flooding has not completely passed.
