KATHMANDU: A total of 1,395 bodies have so far been recovered following the Bhotekoshi flood that occurred on August 26, while 5,130 people remain missing.
According to details released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority on Monday, 364 of the recovered bodies were found in Chitwan, 232 in Nawalparasi East, 222 in Nawalparasi West, 202 in Nuwakot, 186 in Rasuwa, 77 in Gorkha, 72 in Dhading and 38 in Tanahun. The Authority said two people died while undergoing treatment in Kathmandu.
Of the bodies recovered so far, 104 have been identified. Efforts are underway to identify the remaining bodies through DNA testing and other procedures.
According to Authority spokesperson Shanti Mahat, 13,737 people have been rescued so far in the aftermath of the flood. Of those rescued, 1,499 were in Nuwakot, 825 in Rasuwa and 94 in Dhading. The Authority said the process of identifying unidentified bodies through DNA samples is being expedited.
Similarly, 341 people have received treatment at 19 different hospitals, of whom 278 have been discharged. An additional 9,358 people have received health services through various security agencies.
The Ministry of Health has mobilized 150 counselors in the flood-affected areas. Spokesperson Mahat said 45,238 people have received counseling through 166 community awareness programs conducted by the Nepal Police.
Various government agencies have continued relief and management efforts to meet the basic needs of displaced and affected people by relocating them to safe places. Security agencies, local governments, and various government and non-government organizations are engaged in searching for missing people, rescuing and treating the injured, and distributing relief.
The Authority said the search for people who remain unaccounted for has been prioritized following the massive loss of life and property caused by the Bhotekoshi floods. Search and rescue operations for the missing have also been intensified.
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