Kathmandu [Nepal], September 8 – A total of 13,396 people have so far been rescued from areas affected by the devastating Bhotekoshi River flood in Rasuwa on August 26, according to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
Of those rescued 3,533 people are currently sheltering in 39 holding centres across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.
The Nepali Army has identified 121 people believed to have entered tunnels of various hydropower projects in Rasuwa before or during the flood. Brigadier General Subash Jung Thapa said search and rescue operations would continue until rescuers break through all the affected tunnels.
The Army said some hydropower workers were also believed to have been caught outside the tunnels. An assessment of damage to the tunnels indicated that floodwater and debris may have travelled at speeds of around 180 kilometre per hour.
Since the disaster 1,356 bodies have been recovered while 4,996 people remain missing. Authorities have identified 98 bodies and handed them over to their families.
NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat said 6,672 people had received medical treatment including those injured and affected by the disaster. Of 323 people admitted to hospitals, 228 have been discharged.
Government agencies and security forces continue search, rescue, medical treatment and relief operations for survivors and displaced communities.
