National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on Friday, the death toll from the devastating floods in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi region has risen to 469, while 977 people remain missing. The floods are believed to have been triggered by an avalanche in the river flowing between Nepal and China. The deluge has caused massive destruction in the river’s downstream areas, washing away settlements, roads, hydroelectric projects, and transmission infrastructure. NDRRMA reports that 469 bodies have been recovered from various districts. The highest number of bodies—178—was found in Chitwan district, followed by 110 in Nawalparasi East. Additionally, bodies were recovered from Gorkha (44), Nuwakot (37), Tanahun (28), Nawalparasi West (27), Dhading (23), and Rasuwa (12). Among the 977 missing persons, 517 are foreign nationals. India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated on Thursday night that contact could not be established with 290 Indians following the severe floods in the Bhote Koshi River. The US indicated that approximately 90 Americans might be affected by the floods in Nepal, while China reported that around 100 Chinese citizens were missing in the Nepali territory following a mudslide on Wednesday. According to the authority, the list of missing persons also includes 127 Nepalis residing abroad. The latest information further reveals that the missing individuals include 28 personnel from the Nepal Police, 45 from the Nepal Army, 13 from the Armed Police Force, 15 customs office employees, and four immigration office staff members. Officials stated that at least 73 people have been injured in the disaster, including 43 in Rasuwa, three in Dhading, and 27 in Nuwakot. A total of 13,295 security personnel—comprising the Nepal Police, the Nepal Army, and the Armed Police Force—have been deployed for search, rescue, and relief operations. Rescue teams have saved 3,253 people so far, and helicopters have been deployed to evacuate stranded individuals and deliver relief supplies to affected areas. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) of Nepal has appealed to individuals and organizations wishing to assist with relief distribution or rescue operations to contact and coordinate with the District Administration Office of their respective districts before sending or delivering relief materials. The PMO stated, “The office of the concerned Chief District Officer will make integrated arrangements to deliver relief supplies directly to the affected areas based on local needs and priorities.”
