Sep 08, Kathmandu - The devastating flood in the Bhote Koshi River has resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,357 lives so far, with many still missing, according to the latest government updates. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs disclosed these figures following ongoing rescue and relief operations.

As of Bhadra 23, 2083, updated data shows that 1,357 people have died due to the floods. The majority of the bodies have been recovered in Chitwan district, with 363 victims found so far. Other affected districts include Nawalparasi East (223), Nawalparasi West (222), Nuwakot (197), Rasuwa (169), Gorkha (75), Dhading (70), and Tanahun (38).

So far, only 102 victims have been identified and handed over to their families. The authorities have requested DNA testing, along with photographs and kinship proofs, to identify the remaining victims through local police offices.

Approximately 5,326 individuals remain uncontactable, with Rasuwa alone accounting for 2,860 of the missing. Among the missing are 587 foreign tourists, 45 Nepalese Army personnel, 25 Nepal Police officers, 12 Armed Police Force members, and 73 government employees. The authority notes that some of those unaccounted for may also include rescued or unidentified bodies, and efforts to update the data are ongoing.

Meanwhile, over 13,583 people have been rescued so far. Of the 6,827 injured, 327 are hospitalized, while 2,420 have been discharged after treatment. The Nepal Army and Armed Police Force have treated over 6,500 injured individuals. Relief centers have been established in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading, sheltering 3,533 displaced persons.

A total of 21,402 security personnel are actively involved in rescue and relief operations, including 9,287 from the Nepal Army, 7,912 from Nepal Police, and 4,302 from the Armed Police Force. Helicopter sorties by the military, private sector, and police have surpassed 1,400 flights to aid in rescue efforts.

The government has accelerated relief distribution, providing cash assistance of NPR 1 crore each to Rasuwa and Nuwakot, and NPR 50 lakh to Dhading. Additionally, a fund of NPR 13.5 crore has been allocated to support 15 affected municipalities.

Relief efforts include transporting food and non-food items via helicopters and trucks. Infrastructure has also been rapidly restored, with 99.8% of households in Dhading, 96.7% in Nuwakot, and 78% in Rasuwa now having electricity. The authorities have also secured fuel supplies and distributed 457 gas cylinders free of charge to affected residents.

The government continues to prioritize rescue and relief operations to mitigate the impact of this devastating natural calamity.