KATHMANDU, Sep 13: The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 1,388, with authorities continuing to recover bodies from eight heavily affected districts. The disaster was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, leading to widespread devastation in northern and central Nepal.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority released the latest figures, which detail the grim statistics from the affected regions. Chitwan district has reported the highest number of recovered bodies at 364, followed by Nawalparasi East with 230, Nawalparasi West with 222, and Nuwakot with 199.
Further casualties were recorded in Rasuwa, where 185 bodies were found, Gorkha with 77, Dhading with 71, and Tanahun with 38. In addition to these figures, two individuals succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment in Kathmandu. This brings the total number of fatalities directly linked to the floods and their immediate aftermath to 1,388.
Of the total bodies recovered, only 104 have been identified and subsequently handed over to their grieving families. The scale of the tragedy is further underscored by the ongoing search and rescue operations, coordinated by a joint command of security personnel. The estimated number of people still missing has reached 5,130. Officials have also reported that a total of 13,728 people have been successfully rescued so far.
The flash floods have caused extensive damage to towns and villages, displacing numerous residents and disrupting essential services. Relief efforts are underway, with international aid and national resources being mobilized to assist the affected populations. The government has pledged support for the recovery and rehabilitation of the affected areas, though the long-term impact on the region’s infrastructure and economy is expected to be substantial.
The Nepalese authorities are working to provide immediate relief to those displaced and are focused on the identification process for the remaining unidentified bodies. The geological event that triggered the floods, an ice-rock avalanche near the border with Tibet, highlights the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. The incident has prompted calls for enhanced disaster preparedness and early warning systems in mountainous areas.
The coordination between various government agencies and international humanitarian organizations is crucial in managing the crisis effectively. The Nepalese government has been at the forefront of these efforts, directing resources and personnel to the most affected areas. The recovery process is anticipated to be lengthy and complex, given the widespread destruction and the remoteness of some of the affected regions. The focus remains on providing essential aid, medical assistance, and temporary shelter to all those impacted by this natural calamity.
The Chenab Times News Desk