The death toll from the recent flash floods in Nepal has risen to 1,295, as authorities continue to recover more bodies from the affected regions. The floods, which have wreaked havoc across northern and central Nepal, were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26. The continuing search and rescue operations are particularly focused on approximately 5,000 individuals who are still unaccounted for.

According to the Nepal Police, 1,293 bodies have been retrieved from eight districts, with the most significant recoveries including 359 from Chitwan and 221 from Nawalparasi East. Additional recoveries were made in Nawalparasi West, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Gorkha, Dhading, and Tanahu. Notably, two flood victims have succumbed to injuries in hospitals in Kathmandu, pushing the toll to the current figure.

Survivors Found After Lengthy Ordeals

In a remarkable turn of events, two men trapped in a tunnel belonging to the Trishuli 3A hydropower project were rescued after enduring nine days without rescue. Identified as Kabir Maharjan, 45, and Sanjay Sah, 30, the pair was discovered by rescue teams and are currently receiving medical attention. Maharjan’s condition has been reported as critical, while Sah is in a more stable state at a local hospital.

After their rescue, Sah shared that he had been chanting the Hare Krishna mantra throughout his entrapment, which he credited with helping him endure the experience. Maharjan’s wife, Hira Shobha, expressed gratitude to the rescuers, describing her husband’s return as a “second life.”

Assistance Initiated for Affected Areas

As part of relief efforts, India has dispatched multiple flights carrying 21.5 tonnes of relief materials to Kathmandu. India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, confirmed that these flights will aid in the country’s ongoing humanitarian efforts. The materials include essential items such as medical supplies and forensic kits, aimed at bolstering the response to the devastating floods in Rasuwa.

Authorities are deeply concerned about the fate of around 600 missing children, particularly in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. Reports indicate that approximately 280 children are missing in Rasuwa while an estimated 300 to 350 are unaccounted for in Nuwakot.

The local education officials are still confirming the numbers due to the challenges posed by disrupted communication. In Nuwakot, school inspector Navaraj Sapkota revealed that about 250 children from Bidur Municipality are also missing. Efforts are underway to collect accurate data amidst reports of parents searching for their children while others remain unlocated.

Government Response and Relief Initiatives

In response to the disaster, the government of Nepal has unveiled a special relief package for businesses adversely affected by the floods. This package includes concessions, loan restructuring, and provisions for cheaper credit aimed at supporting recovery efforts.

The Cabinet has characterised these measures as the initial phase of its recovery plan for impacted businesses. Entities whose equipment or properties were irreparably damaged will be permitted to import replacements without customs duties. Additionally, temporary relief on property and business taxes for affected localities is slated for consideration.

Further measures will see the Nepal Rastra Bank overseeing the restructuring of loans for those impacted by the floods. Insurance claims processes are also being expedited to assist victims swiftly. As rescue operations continue, the full extent of the destruction and loss is still being assessed.

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