Bhote Koshi Floods Update: 13,396 rescued, 1,356 bodies recovered

KATHMANDU:- : A total of 13,396 people have so far been rescued from areas affected by the flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa on August 26.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), of those rescued, 3,533 people are currently taking shelter in 39 holding centres in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.

The Nepali Army estimated that only 121 people were trapped inside tunnels of various hydropower projects following the flood in Rasuwa on August 26.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the NDRRMA on Monday, Brigadier General Subash Jung Thapa said the Army had identified 121 people as having entered the tunnels.

“We have information showing that 121 people entered the tunnels. We will continue the search and rescue operation until we break through all the tunnels,” he said.

He said some other hydropower project workers were also believed to have been caught outside the tunnels.

Brig. Gen. Thapa said an assessment of the damage to the hydropower project tunnels suggested that the floodwater and debris may have travelled at a speed of around 180 kilometres per hour.

Since the flood, 1,356 bodies have been recovered, while 4,996 people remain missing, according to the NDRRMA. The identities of 98 bodies have so far been established and they have been handed over to their families.

A total of 6,672 people, including those injured and affected by the disaster, have received medical treatment since the flood, NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat said. Of the 323 people admitted to various hospitals, 228 have been discharged.

Similarly, 3,379 people received medical treatment from the Nepali Army and 2,970 from the Armed Police Force, Mahat said. The NDRRMA said various government agencies are continuing relief and management efforts to provide shelter and meet the basic needs of displaced and affected people.

The Bhotekoshi flood caused extensive loss of life and property, prompting security agencies, local governments and various government and non-government organisations to remain engaged in search, rescue, medical treatment and relief operations.