The devastating flash flood along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers in Nepal has claimed over 1,100 lives, with nearly 4,000 people still unaccounted for, prompting large-scale rescue and relief operations.
KATHMANDU — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has confirmed that the death toll from the severe flash flood that struck the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river basins on August 26 has reached 1,114. Additionally, 3,916 people remain missing amid ongoing rescue efforts.
The catastrophe has affected multiple districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun, Nawalparasi East and West, and Chitwan. Recovery teams have retrieved bodies across these regions, with the highest numbers reported in Chitwan (348) and Nawalparasi West (190).
To support the search and rescue, 21,314 personnel from Nepal Police, Nepal Army, and Armed Police Force are actively engaged. So far, 11,993 individuals have been rescued from hazardous areas.
The government and disaster response teams continue to deliver essential supplies, having transported food using trucks and smaller vehicles while airlifting relief materials directly to families impacted by the floods. A total of Rs 67.5 million has been allocated to 15 flood-affected municipalities.
Efforts are underway to restore communication networks and ensure fuel availability, particularly in severely affected districts such as Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. Authorities are also preparing for potential further flooding during the ongoing monsoon season.
The flash flood has caused extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, with early estimates indicating losses exceeding Rs 50 billion, particularly impacting the tourism sector, as reported by government officials.
This ongoing disaster response highlights the critical challenges Nepal faces in managing natural calamities intensified by climate change, underscoring the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure development.
Sources referenced:
- https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/bhotekoshi-flood-death-toll-reaches-1114
