Kathmandu, September 8: Search and rescue operations continued for the fourteenth day following the devastating Bhote Koshi River floods of August 26, with 1,357 bodies recovered and around 5,300 people still reported missing, according to an update from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The disaster caused extensive loss of life, displacement and damage to houses, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other affected districts.

The government said 13,583 people, including more than 300 foreign nationals, have been rescued so far. Three people were rescued alive from hydropower tunnels during the previous five days, including two Nepali nationals from the Upper Trishuli 3A tunnel and one Chinese national from the Upper Trishuli 1 tunnel. Around 600 foreigners from 35 countries are among those still reported missing, although authorities stressed that figures continue to change as search and verification efforts proceed.

Nepali security agencies and disaster-management authorities are working alongside international rescue teams from countries including India, China, the Republic of Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Australia. Search operations are continuing at several affected hydropower projects. Nepal has also requested additional international assistance, including high-capacity drones, LiDAR systems, Bailey bridges, DNA testing kits, underwater drones, generators, surge pumps and specialised tunnel-rescue equipment.

Authorities are simultaneously working to restore roads, electricity and telecommunications while carrying out DNA identification of recovered bodies. Forensic specialists from several countries have joined Nepali authorities in the identification process. The government is also finalising a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment and undertaking a comprehensive Post Disaster Needs Assessment to determine losses, reconstruction requirements and recovery costs.