The tragic toll from the flash floods in Nepal has climbed to 1,344 deaths as rescue teams persist in their search across various districts. Nearly 4,900 people remain missing, prompting urgent rescue efforts.
The calamity began on August 26, when an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border unleashed torrents of water into the Bhotekoshi River. This sudden surge of water devastated homes, carried away vehicles, and obliterated infrastructure, including roads and bridges.
The Nepal National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that over 13,000 individuals have been rescued from the flood-afflicted areas. However, the recovery effort faced immense challenges due to the flooding’s scale and the condition of the bodies recovered. Among the deceased, officials identified 758 adults and 85 children, while 501 bodies showed signs of severe decomposition due to prolonged water exposure and debris.
As recovery efforts advanced, authorities confirmed that approximately 1,030 bodies had been temporarily buried, following mandatory procedures such as DNA collection.
Chitwan district emerged as the hardest-hit area, with around 360 bodies found there. Other significant recovery sites include Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun, Nawalparasi East, and Nawalparasi West. Disturbingly, among the missing individuals, authorities reported that over 600 children from Rasuwa and Nuwakot remain unaccounted for.
Water levels in major rivers remain a focal point of concern for authorities. Continuous monitoring of the Koshi, Narayani, and several other rivers is critical as more rain could aggravate the situation.
The Nepal Army spearheads the joint rescue operations, marking the 11th day of relentless search efforts, particularly around hydropower projects where many workers are feared trapped. On Friday, rescuers successfully pulled two workers—a mechanical supervisor and a foreman—alive from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project.
Moreover, an Indian rescue team, collaborating with the Nepal Army, has established a temporary track inside the Chilime tunnel in Rasuwa. This move allows for heavier rescue equipment to reach the isolated areas effectively.
The disaster’s impact extends beyond Nepal, with reports indicating that at least 21 lives were lost on the Chinese side, and more than 500 individuals are missing in Tibet.
As search operations continue, officials work diligently, facing the dual challenges of rising river levels and the search for survivors since this unprecedented flood has devastated regions, leaving many families in despair.
