The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has reached 1,344, as rescue teams have recovered more bodies from eight districts affected by the disaster. Reports indicate that around 5,000 individuals are still unaccounted for, including at least 589 foreign nationals. More than 13,000 people have been successfully rescued since the floods began. The calamity was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche close to the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26.

It caused an extensive damage across northern and central parts of Nepal. Floodwaters from the Bhotekoshi River inundated towns and villages, destroying homes, vehicles, and infrastructure, including roads and bridges. The local hydropower projects also suffered significant damage. According to Chinese media, at least 21 individuals lost their lives on the Chinese side of the border, with over 500 people remaining missing in Tibet.

These figures underscore the severity of the floods and their widespread impact across borders. Among those rescued recently was 60-year-old Chandika Shrestha, who was extracted from a four-storey building buried under mud in Bidur town of Nuwakot district. Trapped for ten days, she was found unconscious and subsequently airlifted for medical treatment, highlighting the ongoing risks and challenges faced by rescue teams in this perilous situation.

Identification of Victims Remains Challenging

Officials have reported that of the 1,344 bodies recovered in Nepal. Out of these, 758 were adults, 85 were children, with 501 bodies showing severe damage. Conditions have exacerbated the identification process, as many remains are decomposed or fragmented. Chitwan district has recorded the highest number of fatalities at 360. It is followed by Nawalparasi West with 230 and Nawalparasi East with 222.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority noted that 1,030 bodies had been temporarily buried after essential processes, including DNA collection, were completed. Identifying the deceased has proven to be extremely challenging, with bodies often recovering in a state that complicates recognition by face, clothing, or personal belongings.

Prolonged exposure to water and debris has obliterated identifiable features. Forensic specialists have indicated that DNA testing is critical for identification, although this procedure is lengthy and necessitates samples from remains as well as biological relatives for matching. Other identification methods such as fingerprints and dental records may also be employed, dependent on the condition of the remains.

International Support and Rescue Operations

Rescue operations are actively being conducted at multiple hydropower sites within the affected regions. According to reports, numerous individuals are believed to be trapped in tunnels. Assistance from rescue teams from India and China has been instrumental in these efforts. As of Friday, three people have been rescued from such tunnels. These included two Nepali men from the Trishuli 3A hydropower project and one Chinese man from the Upper Trishuli I project. This international collaboration reflects a unified approach to handling the crisis.

An Indian tunnel rescue team, working in conjunction with the Nepalese Army, has established a temporary track within the Chilime tunnel in Rasuwa district, facilitating access for heavy equipment to reach locales in need of assistance. As the situation continues to unfold, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring water levels across multiple rivers. These included the Koshi, Narayani, and many others, to prevent further incidents and ensure safety.

With the toll escalating and thousands still unaccounted for, Nepal’s focus remains squarely on ongoing rescue operations, the identification of the deceased, and rehabilitation efforts extending into the eleventh day since the floods began. The collaboration among local and international rescuers reflects a comprehensive effort to alleviate the impacts of this natural disaster.

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