KATHMANDU: DNA samples from 1,181 dead bodies and blood samples from 1,186 relatives of the deceased have been collected to help identify those who lost their lives in the Bhotekoshi flash flood.
The samples are being collected for DNA matching to facilitate the identification of the deceased by their families and relatives. Nepal Police spokesperson DIG Abhi Narayan Kafle told RSS that DNA sample collection was being carried out on a priority basis to identify the recovered bodies.
The Bhotekoshi flood and its subsequent impact on the Trishuli River system caused significant loss of life and property. Meanwhile, a total of 1,339 bodies have so far been recovered from various districts, while 4,044 people remain missing following the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems on August 26.
According to the latest update released by Nepal Police Headquarters, 163 bodies were recovered in Rasuwa, 193 in Nuwakot, 67 in Dhading, 362 in Chitwan, 74 in Gorkha, 38 in Tanahu, 222 in Nawalparasi East and 220 in Nawalparasi West.
Of the recovered bodies, 1,037 have been buried in accordance with the required procedures, while the identification and management of the remaining bodies are underway. Security personnel have continued search and rescue operations in the affected areas.
A preliminary assessment conducted under the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) found that approximately 7,570 houses had been affected, impacting around 32,933 people. A total of 48 government offices were also damaged.
Similarly, 55 kilometres of roads, 37 motorable bridges and 68 suspension bridges were damaged. Nearly 1,806 hectares of agricultural land, 13 hydropower projects, one solar power plant and two transmission lines were also damaged. The assessment further showed that 783 MW of hydropower generation capacity had been affected, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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