KATHMANDU: The government says 7,514 people have so far been rescued from areas affected by the devastating Bhotekoshi River floods in Rasuwa on Bhadra 10.
Prime Minister Balen Shah said in a social media post that security agencies, including the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, have continued rescue, search and relief operations despite adverse weather and difficult terrain.
According to the government, 279 people trapped at various hydropower project sites have been rescued, while the Nepali Army continues efforts to rescue those remaining in affected areas. Indian and Chinese experts are also assisting the Nepali Army in the rescue operation.
A total of 16 helicopters, operated by the Nepali Army and the private sector, have been deployed for rescue operations. The helicopters have so far conducted 236 flights.
The government said 18,708 security personnel from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been mobilised in the affected areas.
675 bodies recovered
The government said 675 bodies have so far been recovered from various locations in flood- and landslide-affected districts, including Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Tanahun, Gorkha, Nawalparasi East and Nawalparasi West.
The recovered bodies are being preserved in airtight bags. For unidentified bodies, DNA samples and other identifying evidence are being preserved before disposal in accordance with legal procedures. Bodies identified by family members are being handed over to their families.
Treatment and psychological support for injured
Seriously injured people rescued from the floods are being brought to hospitals in Kathmandu for treatment. Mobile hospitals have been established at Nepali Army barracks in Dhunche, Rasuwa, and Battar, Nuwakot.
Medical and specialist teams have also been deployed in Dhunche, Syafrubesi, Rasuwa Hospital and helicopter landing areas to provide health services.
Psychological counselling is also being provided to injured people and their family members.
Temporary shelter for 3,500 displaced people
Temporary accommodation has been arranged in schools and public and community buildings for around 3,500 people displaced by the floods.
Three camps have been established in Rasuwa and 15 in Nuwakot to accommodate affected residents. The Nepal Red Cross, Nepal Scouts, Lions Clubs and various volunteer organisations have also been mobilised for relief efforts.
The government said Rs 67.5 million has been released from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority’s fund to 15 local governments in five affected districts to operate essential services.
More than Rs 5 billion deposited in relief fund
According to the government, Rs 5.044 billion has been deposited into the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund through accounts at nine commercial banks as of Saturday noon.
An additional $1.808 million has been deposited in accounts at Himalayan Bank and Laxmi Bank.
The government has urged those wishing to provide financial assistance to deposit money only through the official QR code and the accounts of the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund and Prime Minister’s Fund.
International assistance pledged
The government said various countries and international organisations have pledged support for post-disaster relief and rehabilitation.
The Asian Development Bank has pledged a $5 million grant and $150,000 in technical assistance, while the World Bank has committed $167 million in concessional financing. The US government has pledged $500,000 and Australia $1 million.
India has provided 57.5 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and essential medicines in three phases. The government has also requested China to provide 30 Bailey bridges.
Rasuwa reconnected to national road network
An alternative road linking Rasuwa to the national road network has been brought into operation after the main road was damaged by the floods.
The route from Kathmandu via Tokha, Chhahare, Gadkhar Bridge, Aapre, Narja, Lachyang, Sarmathali, Patikharka, Bogatitaar and Kalikasthan to Dhunche has been repaired to allow small four-wheelers to operate.
The government said Rasuwa has now been reconnected to the national road network.
The Galchhi-Malekhu section of the Prithvi Highway has also been fully reopened after accumulated mud was cleared. An alternative road connecting Dhadingbesi has also come into operation.
Most telecom towers restored
Services from 38 Nepal Telecom and 27 Ncell BTS towers were disrupted by the floods. The government said fuel, solar panels and generators were transported by helicopter and road to restore telecommunications services.
So far, 90 Nepal Telecom and 71 Ncell towers have resumed operation. Efforts are underway to repair and restore the remaining towers soon.
Prime Minister Shah expressed gratitude to security personnel, civil servants, volunteers and citizens involved in rescue and relief operations during the disaster.
He also urged the mass media and social media users to help boost the morale of affected people and disseminate accurate, fact-based information.
The government has pledged to continue rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts until tangible results are achieved.
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