KATHMANDU: A total of 1,293 bodies have been recovered so far in connection with the devastating Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa, according to Nepal Police.
Nepal Police Central Spokesperson Abinarayan Kafle said 140 bodies were recovered in Rasuwa, 186 in Nuwakot, 65 in Dhading, 359 in Chitwan, 72 in Gorkha, 38 in Tanahun, 221 in Nawalparasi East and 194 in Nawalparasi West. Eighteen bodies recovered in India and handed over to Nawalparasi West have also been included in the official tally.
Two injured people have also died while undergoing treatment—one at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and another at the National Trauma Centre.
Police have so far completed the necessary procedures for 1,030 bodies, including DNA sampling and identification efforts. The managed remains comprise 222 women, 355 men and 453 unclaimed bodies.
A total of 2,106 DNA samples have been collected to assist in identifying victims, including 1,260 samples from deceased persons and 846 from their relatives.
According to Kafle, details of 1,263 unidentified bodies have also been published on the Nepal Police website to assist families in identifying their missing relatives.
Meanwhile, 7,912 police personnel have been mobilised for search and rescue, relief distribution and the management of recovered bodies in the flood-affected areas.
Police are currently searching for 4,898 people reported missing, while 3,655 people have been accommodated at holding centres in various districts.
Security personnel are also working with local authorities and communities to relocate households at risk of further flooding to safer areas, conduct search and rescue operations, and clear road blockages at various locations to restore access and facilitate relief efforts.
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