Nepal’s devastating flash floods have led to a rise in the death toll, which now stands at 1,344, with authorities continuing to search for nearly 4,900 missing persons. The Nepal National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported these figures on Saturday, emphasizing that rescue efforts remain ongoing across the flood-affected regions.
The floods originated from an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, which released a catastrophic surge of water into the Bhotekoshi River. This natural disaster resulted in widespread destruction, obliterating homes, vehicles, and infrastructure, including vital roads and bridges. Several hydropower projects in northern and central Nepal also sustained significant damage.
Rescue teams have successfully evacuated over 13,000 individuals from the most affected areas. Tragically, among the deceased are 758 adults and 85 children, with 501 bodies found in a severely decomposed state. The prolonged submersion in water and heavy debris complicated the recovery of many bodies.
Following established protocols, authorities have temporarily buried 1,030 bodies, having completed necessary procedures, including DNA collection. Chitwan district reports the highest recovery rate, accounting for approximately 360 bodies. Other affected regions include Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun, and Nawalparasi.
Among those still unaccounted for, officials noted that over 600 children are missing in Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Authorities are closely monitoring water levels in key rivers such as the Koshi, Narayani, and Bagmati, as they pose a continuing risk for further flooding.
Joint rescue teams, primarily led by the Nepal Army, persist in their search operations on the 11th consecutive day. Their focus includes hydropower sites where numerous workers are potentially trapped inside tunnels. Support from international experts from India and China bolsters these efforts.
Notably, two individuals were rescued alive from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project on Friday. The Nepal Army identified them as Kabir Maharjan, 45, a mechanical supervisor, and Sanjay Sah, 30, a foreman. Their survival amidst the chaos offered a glimmer of hope to rescue teams.
Rescue operations advanced with assistance from an Indian rescue team, which established a temporary track inside the Chilime tunnel, facilitating the movement of heavy machinery to the buried sections.
This disaster has not only affected Nepal; it has also claimed at least 21 lives across the border, in Tibet, with over 500 people reported missing. Chinese media sources have confirmed these figures as search efforts continue in the region.
Authorities are determined to recover the missing and have ramped up search operations, tracking rising river levels and intensifying rescue measures in the areas hardest hit by this calamitous event. With help pouring in from both national and international agencies, Nepal aims to navigate through this challenging period.
