Bhotekoshi Flood: 324 Foreign Nationals Rescued; 590 Missing

Kathmandu, Sept 1: As many as 324 foreign nationals have been rescued while 590 from 39 countries are still reported missing in the August 26 Bhotekoshi catastrophic floods.

As of the latest available information, over 1,000 bodies have been recovered, the government shared.

Likewise, over 11,800 people have been so far rescued while around 4,000 still remain unaccounted for, it was informed at a regular press conference organized today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

These figures continue to be updated as search and verification operations progress, it is stated.

The Ministry's Emergency Control Room continues to coordinate closely with relevant agencies, Nepali diplomatic missions and the families of missing foreign nationals, informed Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri.

Likewise, Nepali missions abroad are also facilitating the exchange of verified information, communication with families, and, where necessary, identification and repatriation procedures.

"We remain in close contact with the countries concerned and are committed to providing all necessary consular assistance," Chhetri said. According to him, the government has continued the search and rescue operation through different agencies and security forces, with specialised international support in specific areas of expertise.

"Specialised tunnel rescue teams comprising 24 personnel in two teams from India and nine personnel from China are mobilised at the affected hydropower sites," he said, adding that a team from Republic of Korea is also available here.

The Indian tunnel rescue teams are working closely with the Nepali Army at the Chilime and Langtang hydropower sites, while a Chinese team is working in coordination with the Nepali Army at the Upper Trishuli 3A project site.

He further shared, "We have also received specialised equipment for the management and preservation of mortal remains. A 19-member forensic team from India specialising in DNA analysis continues to work with the concerned Nepali authorities since 29 August. A forensic team of four people is arriving from China this evening."

Coordination is also underway to mobilise a Disaster Victim Identification team from Singapore, Spokesperson Chhetri said. "We have also requested for the supply of LiDAR, belly bridges, freezers, DNA testing kits, load carriers, bags for human remains, high-capacity drones, gene sequencer and other items."

The Government of Nepal continues to mobilise all available resources for protecting lives, locating those who are missing, providing urgent relief, and ensuring appropriate assistance and support to all affected people, both Nepali and foreign nationals.

Our security agencies, government authorities at different levels, medical and emergency response teams, and other relevant agencies are working together in the affected areas.
In this connection, a unified force of more than 21,000 personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force is currently engaged in search, rescue, evacuation and relief operations across the affected areas.

"At the same time, we continue to coordinate closely with our immediate neighbours and the wider international community to identify and mobilise specific expertise, equipment and resources required for the ongoing rescue and relief operations.", the spokesperson stated.

Relief materials have already been received from a number of countries, while additional supplies and assistance are being mobilised from other partner, he said, adding, "We are also receiving offers of financial assistance from different countries and partners. We deeply appreciate this solidarity and support."

The scale of damage is currently being assessed by the concerned authorities, including the damage to houses, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure, it is briefed on the occasion. "A more comprehensive assessment, including through the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), will provide a clearer picture of the overall damage, losses and recovery needs."