Security personnel involved in rescue operations following devastating flash floods in Nepal are facing major challenges due to shortages of specialised equipment, body bags, ropes and helicopters. The floods, believed to have been triggered by a collapse or avalanche of ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, swept through the Bhotekoshi River corridor, destroying homes, roads and bridges and damaging hydropower projects.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, NDRRMA, today said that the death toll has surged to 939, while more than 4,247 people remain untraceable. As many as 279 bodies were recovered in Chitawan district, 216 in Nawalparasi East, 168 in Nawalparasi West, 95 in Nuwakot, 65 in Gorkha, 55 in Dhading, 38 in Tanahu and 23 in Rasuwa.
Personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been deployed in large numbers across the affected areas. However, officials said the shortage of modern rescue equipment is making operations particularly difficult in dangerous terrain.
Security personnel have also repeatedly sought helicopters to reach people trapped or stranded in remote areas. A police inspector said several people had contacted Police Control 100 for help, but rescuers were sometimes unable to reach them because of operational difficulties.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah described the floods as an “unprecedented and devastating natural disaster”. Nearly 21,000 security personnel are involved in rescue operations. The Red Cross estimates that more than 90,000 people have been affected, while authorities continue efforts to recover and identify bodies.
India has deployed specialised teams to assist Nepal with rescue operations and the identification of victims. A 19-member Indian forensics team began work in Kathmandu yesterday to support DNA analysis for identifying mortal remains. An Indian tunnel rescue team is also continuing operations at hydropower sites in Chilime and Langtang. Expert teams are helping Nepalese rescuers trace 933 workers and employees at various hydropower project sites who have been out of contact since August 26, with many believed to be trapped inside tunnels.
