The death toll from the devastating Nepal-Tibet flash floods has surged to 1,282. According to Nepal Police, the highest number of fatalities have been reported in Chitwan at 359, followed by Nawalparasi East with 218, Nawalparasi West with 208, Nuwakot with 185, Rasuwa with 140, Gorkha with 72, Dhading with 60 and Tanahu with 38. Two additional deaths occurred while victims were undergoing treatment at hospitals in Kathmandu.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that as of last evening, 5,053 people were reported missing. Meanwhile, Nepal has also begun using DNA tests to identify victims. In a remarkable rescue effort, two men were rescued alive from a tunnel at Nepal’s Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project, 10 days after being trapped there in the wake of the Bhotekoshi flash floods. According to the Nepal Army’s Public Relations Directorate, the operation was intensified after rescuers heard voices from inside the tunnel and established communication with those believed to be trapped.
Emergency teams have rescued more than 12,000 people so far. The flash floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on 26th of last month, devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal, leaving a trail of destruction.
