Aug 29, Kathmandu - The devastating flood triggered by heavy rains in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa has resulted in a tragic death toll of 626, with ongoing efforts to manage the crisis amid mounting challenges.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), as of Saturday morning at 10:30 AM, bodies of 626 victims have been recovered from various districts affected by the deluge.

Charred and unclaimed bodies are complicating relief efforts, with hospitals overwhelmed beyond capacity and many victims yet to be identified. Emergency teams continue to work tirelessly alongside medical institutions to manage the grim situation.

The district-wise death toll includes 233 bodies in Chitwan, 158 in Nawalparasi East, 47 in Nawalparasi West, 48 in Gorkha, 45 in Dhading, 31 in Tanahun, and 13 in Rasuwa. Bodies were found in different locations, with some being taken to hospitals in Kathmandu such as Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Patan Hospital, and others, while in Gorkha and Tanahun, bodies were transported to Pokhara’s Manipal and Gandaki hospitals.

The authorities face difficulties in body management due to exceeding hospital capacities and unidentified remains. Efforts to contain potential disease spread include dispatching 400 body bags to affected areas, with ongoing distribution.

Over 2,400 People Still Missing

The flood has also left 2,426 individuals unaccounted for, with a significant number belonging to government agencies and organizations. Missing persons include 27 from Nepal Police, 45 from the Nepali Army, 13 from Armed Police Force, 15 from Customs Office, and 4 from the Education Office.

Additional missing persons are reported from various districts: 562 from Rasuwa, 115 from Nuwakot, 933 from hydropower projects, and 65 from Makwanpur. Foreign nationals, Nepali residents abroad, and protected species from Langtang National Park are also among the missing, totaling 127 foreigners, 3 Nepalis abroad, and 3 from the park.

So far, 4,451 people have been rescued from the affected regions. Rescue operations from hydropower tunnels alone saved 191 individuals on Friday. The relief efforts involve 15,224 security personnel and 16 helicopters deployed across the disaster zone.

In response, the government has dispatched 37 trucks loaded with food and non-food supplies to the affected districts. Additionally, financial assistance of NPR 67.5 million has been released to 15 municipalities declared as crisis zones.

Emergency response continues as authorities work against time to locate the missing and provide aid to survivors amid challenging conditions.