Nepal Flash Flood Death Toll Rises To 1,344; 5,000 Still Missing

KATHMANDU, Sep 6: The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 1,344, while around 5,000 people, including nearly 590 foreign nationals, remain missing, even as rescue and relief operations continue across the affected areas.

More than 13,100 people have been rescued so far, with authorities facing major challenges in identifying the deceased. DNA testing is being used in several cases, while police have preserved the remains of 222 women, 355 men and 453 unidentified persons after collecting necessary identification markers.

In a major rescue breakthrough, a 60-year-old woman was found alive after remaining trapped under mud and debris for 10 days in Nuwakot district.

Nepal Police has also published details of 1,270 unidentified bodies on its website to help families identify missing relatives. Around 7,912 police personnel remain deployed in the affected areas for rescue operations, relief distribution, management of bodies and clearance of roads.

The flash floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, caused widespread destruction across northern and central Nepal, washing away houses, vehicles, roads and bridges.

Rescue operations are continuing at several hydropower projects with assistance from teams from India and China. Authorities are also monitoring water levels in major rivers amid continuing rescue and relief efforts. (Agencies)