The death toll from the recent flash floods in Nepal has risen to 1,355, following the recovery of additional bodies, as reported on Monday by the authorities. The floods have created a dire situation, with rescue teams still searching for 4,996 people, including at least 589 foreign nationals. So far, 13,396 individuals have been rescued, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority of Nepal.

These devastating flash floods were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche that occurred near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26. The floods have ravaged various towns and villages mainly in northern and central regions of the country. Floodwaters from the Bhotekoshi River dramatically swept away homes, vehicles, and infrastructure, significantly damaging vital hydropower projects.

On the other side of the border in Tibet, at least 43 fatalities have been reported, with more than 500 individuals still missing, based on information from Chinese media outlets. The widespread destruction calls for extensive rescue and recovery efforts in both Nepal and Tibet.

Challenges Faced in Victim Identification

Victim identification has posed substantial challenges in the wake of the floods. By Monday, only 98 bodies had been officially identified and subsequently handed over to their respective families. Many of the deceased had been swept downstream and were found in severely damaged or decomposed conditions, complicating the identification process.

Authorities noted that bodies found far from the disaster sites, as well as those submerged in water and mud, have compounded the difficulties in identification. In response, Nepal Police have initiated the collection of DNA samples from relatives of missing individuals to facilitate the identification of unclaimed bodies and human remains recovered post-flood.

Over 1,000 unidentified bodies have reportedly been buried after DNA samples were collected for future identification. Hospitals are experiencing challenges in accommodating the growing number of unidentified bodies, while families are arriving at medical facilities, armed with photographs of their missing relatives and checking images of the deceased displayed prominently on walls.

National Mourning and Ongoing Rescue Operations

Nepal observed a national day of mourning on Monday, marking the 13th day after the disaster, as the government declared September 7 a day of remembrance for the victims. This observance aligns with traditional Hindu practices that commemorate the thirteenth day following a death. In a message posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Nepal extended condolences to the bereaved families and those affected, reinforcing India’s commitment to supporting Nepal during this challenging period.

Rescue operations are currently underway at hydropower sites in the flood-stricken districts, where hundreds of individuals are feared to be trapped in tunnels. Experts from both India and China are assisting Nepali authorities in these rescue efforts. Arnold Dix, an Australian tunnel specialist who previously aided in a rescue operation in India’s Silkyara tunnel, is now involved in efforts to locate those believed to be trapped in the Chilime hydropower project tunnel.

Simultaneously, the Nepalese government is working to reassure international tourists that the country remains open for travel. Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Poudel has initiated a social media campaign under the hashtag “Nepal Calling,” aimed at informing foreign visitors that trekking routes are accessible and awaiting their arrival. Tourism was previously contributing approximately 6.7 per cent to Nepal’s GDP, along with supporting over one million jobs, underscoring the economic implications related to foreign tourist arrivals.

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