Nepal Begins Temporary Burials as Flood Search and Rescue Continues

In response to the devastating flash floods caused by the Bhote Koshi River, Nepal has started conducting temporary burials for the victims. This initiative coincides with ongoing search and rescue operations across northern and central regions, as noted in a press briefing by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the fifth daily briefing, spokesperson Lok Bahadur Chhetri detailed the scale of the response operations. The ministry reported that a total of 11,993 individuals have been rescued, while 1,114 bodies have been retrieved. Approximately 3,900 people are still unaccounted for, intensifying the sense of urgency for ongoing efforts.

“Our search and rescue operations continue, while we provide immediate relief to affected individuals from both Nepal and abroad,” Chhetri emphasised. He also highlighted the government’s commitment, as reiterated by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, to mobilise all available resources to assist victims and their families.

Chhetri urged relatives of the missing to provide DNA samples to aid international forensic teams in the identification process. “We commence temporary burials after completing the necessary forensic protocols, ensuring identification can occur at a later date so that families can properly honour their loved ones,” he remarked.

The spokesperson directed family members of the missing to reach out to the Nepal Police Hospital in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu or the nearest District Police Office for assistance.

Furthermore, a collaborative effort involving a 19-member forensic team from India is currently analysing DNA samples alongside a five-member team from China and specialists from South Korea and Singapore. “The Indian forensic team is actively engaged in DNA analysis with Nepal Police. The arrival of the Chinese team and a disaster victim identification unit from Singapore aims to expedite the analysis process of DNA samples collected,” Chhetri explained.

To bolster operational capability, rescue teams from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force are combining their efforts with international experts from India, China, and the Republic of Korea. These teams are working in flooded areas and attempting to rescue trapped individuals in submerged hydropower structures. Chhetri provided insights into the rescue operations in specific locations, stating, “The Indian Tunnel Rescue Team is collaborating with Nepali teams in Langtang and Chilime, while the Chinese team has made progress in opening parts of the tunnel at Upper Trisuli 3A.”

The spokesperson noted that logistical support, including specialised equipment and drones from partner nations, is being deployed to facilitate ongoing operations. Although over 300 foreign nationals have been rescued, around 590 citizens from 34 different countries remain missing.

On the diplomatic front, the Ministry’s Emergency Control Room is coordinating efforts with foreign diplomatic missions to ensure proper support for families affected by the situation. Chinese authorities have assisted in the repatriation of approximately 2,500 pilgrims travelling to Mount Kailash, while arrangements are being made to return about 1,500 stranded Nepalis and 176 cargo containers from Kerung, China.

Initial assessments are ongoing to evaluate structural damage to critical infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and homes. Nepal has formally requested international support for the delivery of necessary equipment, including LiDAR technology, body bags, refrigerated storage units, and DNA testing kits.

This situation remains a tragic reality for Nepal as the authorities continue their efforts. Prime Minister Shah, while addressing Parliament, underscored the need for global awareness and collaboration to address the rising risks posed by climate change in the Himalayan region.

The floods, which have deeply impacted communities, especially in Rasuwa district and neighbouring regions of Nuwakot and Dhading, serve as a stark reminder that collective action is imperative to mitigate such disasters in the future.

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