The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 1,344 as of Saturday, with nearly 4,900 people still missing. Rescue teams are tirelessly recovering bodies from various flood-hit districts, according to officials.
The floods began due to an massive ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26. The avalanche unleashed torrents of water into the Bhotekoshi River, leading to widespread destruction across downstream areas. Reports indicate that homes, vehicles, roads, and bridges vanished under the relentless floodwaters, severely damaging hydropower projects in northern and central Nepal.
As per the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), over 13,000 people have been rescued from affected areas since the disaster struck. Among the deceased, officials confirmed that 758 were adults and 85 were children, with 501 bodies recovered missing parts, indicating the severity of the conditions due to prolonged exposure to floodwaters and debris.
In a coordinated effort, authorities have temporarily buried 1,030 bodies after completing necessary procedures, including DNA collection for identification. Notably, the highest number of recoveries has occurred in the Chitwan district, tallying around 360 bodies. Additional bodies have also been recovered from several other districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun, Nawalparasi East, and Nawalparasi West.
Among the missing individuals are over 600 children from Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, inciting concerns among families and the community. In response, authorities are closely monitoring water levels in major rivers, including the Koshi, Narayani, Bagmati, and Karnali rivers.
The Nepal Army has led joint rescue operations for the 11th consecutive day, with significant efforts directed towards hydropower projects where hundreds of workers are feared trapped. Experts from India and China are assisting the Nepali rescue teams in these critical operations.
Notably, two men were rescued alive from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project on Friday. The men, identified as Kabir Maharjan, 45, a mechanical supervisor, and Sanjay Sah, 30, a foreman, were fortunate to be found alive amidst the chaos.
Authorities reported that an Indian tunnel rescue team, collaborating with the Nepal Army, created a temporary track inside the Chilime tunnel in Rasuwa district. This crucial development allowed for heavier rescue equipment to access the most affected sections of the tunnel.
The disaster has not only impacted Nepal but has also claimed at least 21 lives on the Chinese side, with more than 500 individuals missing in Tibet, as reported by Chinese media outlets.
On Saturday, search operations persisted, recovering more bodies while authorities carefully monitored rising river levels. Efforts remained focused on advancing rescue initiatives in some of the worst-hit areas.
