Kathmandu, August 27
The death toll from the devastating Bhotekoshi flood that struck Rasuwa and swept downstream on Wednesday has risen to 389, with bodies recovered across eight districts, according to Nepal Police.
As of 9 pm Thursday, police had recovered 17 bodies in Rasuwa, 28 in Nuwakot, 33 in Dhading, 137 in Chitwan, 32 in Gorkha, 28 in Tanahun, 87 in East Nawalparasi and 27 in West Nawalparasi.
A total of 466 injured people have also been rescued, police said.
The latest figures came as search and rescue operations continued throughout the day in areas cut off by the flood. Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel have been deployed alongside helicopters to reach stranded survivors and recover bodies.
The flood, which struck the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa on Wednesday morning, caused widespread destruction before moving downstream through the Trishuli and Narayani river systems. Roads, bridges, schools, settlements and other infrastructure have been heavily damaged, making access to several affected areas difficult.
In Rasuwa, communications remain disrupted in some of the worst-hit areas, complicating efforts to determine the full scale of the disaster. Families have meanwhile continued searching for missing relatives at hospitals, body identification centres and other locations where recovered bodies are being brought.
The disaster has also triggered a new warning downstream. Satellite analysis showed that a lake had formed upstream after a massive ice and rock avalanche blocked part of the Lhende River. Authorities have warned that the natural dam could breach and cause another flood, urging residents and rescue teams along the Bhotekoshi river corridor to remain highly alert.
Rescue operations have been further complicated by extensive damage to roads and bridges. In Nuwakot, authorities have also been working to reunite children who were at school when the flood struck with their families.
The scale of the destruction remains difficult to establish, with search teams still unable to reach some locations. Officials and local authorities have repeatedly called for more personnel and equipment to support field operations, including the recovery and management of bodies.
