Kathmandu, Aug 28: The death toll from the devastating floods in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi region has risen to 469, while 977 people remain unaccounted for, according to the latest update from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on Friday.
The disaster, believed to have been triggered by an avalanche on a transboundary river between Nepal and China upstream of the Bhote Koshi River, has caused widespread destruction downstream. Several settlements, roads, hydropower projects and transmission infrastructure have been swept away or severely damaged.
NDRRMA said the highest number of recovered bodies was reported from Chitwan, where 178 deaths were recorded, followed by 110 in Nawalparasi East. Bodies were also recovered from Gorkha, Nuwakot, Tanahun, Nawalparasi West, Dhading and Rasuwa.
Of the 977 people still out of contact, 517 are foreign nationals. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said 290 Indians remain unaccounted for, while the United States reported that around 90 Americans may have been affected. China said nearly 100 Chinese nationals remain missing on the Nepali side following the mudslide.
The missing also include 127 Nepali citizens residing abroad, along with security and government personnel, including Nepal Police, Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Customs and Immigration officials.
At least 73 people have sustained injuries. Authorities have mobilised 13,295 security personnel for search, rescue and relief operations. Rescue teams have so far evacuated 3,253 people, with helicopters deployed to rescue stranded residents and deliver relief supplies.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Office has urged individuals and organisations willing to provide assistance to coordinate with the respective District Administration Offices before travelling to affected areas or transporting relief materials.
The PMO warned that uncoordinated movement of private vehicles carrying relief supplies has caused severe traffic congestion, obstructing ambulances and delaying official rescue and relief operations. Authorities urged all relief efforts to be coordinated according to the needs and priorities of affected areas.
