Death toll in Rasuwa floods and landslides climbs to 1,367

Kathmandu. Human casualties are increasing in flood-affected areas including Rasuwa. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 1,367 people have lost their lives in floods and landslides till 11 am on Wednesday.

According to the NRA, 174 bodies were found in Rasuwa, 197 in Nuwakot, 70 in Dhading, 75 in Gorkha, 38 in Tanahun, 363 in Chitwan, 226 in Nawalparasi East and 222 in Nawalparasi West. Two more people died in course of treatment in Kathmandu.

Of the bodies recovered so far, only 102 have been identified, according to the NRA. Arrangements have been made to provide samples for DNA testing to the concerned district police office for the management of the unidentified bodies and various human organs.

Similarly, about 5,132 people are out of contact after floods and landslides. In Rasuwa alone, 2,860 people are out of contact. Of them, 1,393 are from Rasuwa, 1,286 from other districts, 45 from the Nepal Army, 25 from the Nepal Police and 12 from the Armed Police Force. According to the NRA, 73 government employees and 26 employees of banks and financial institutions are also out of contact.

As many as 1,787 people from Nuwakot are out of contact. Similarly, 587 foreign tourists are also out of contact, the report said. The NRA said that the data of the contactless people may include unidentified bodies and rescued people.

Meanwhile, 13,646 people have been rescued so far. Of the 329 people treated at 10 different hospitals, 252 have been discharged. The Nepal Army has provided medical services to 3,535 people and the Armed Police Force has provided treatment to 3,287 people.

A total of 21,185 security personnel including Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been deployed in the affected areas. A total of 9,007 personnel from the Nepal Army, 7,975 from the Nepal Police and 4,203 from the Armed Police Force have been mobilized.

The air rescue operation has also been intensified. The Nepal Army conducted 1,264 sorties till September 7 and conducted 21 more flights on September 10. The Armed Police Force (APF) has conducted 258 sorties in the affected areas.

There are 3,628 people in 37 holding centers in the affected areas. According to the NRA, 733 people are in holding centers in Rasuwa, 2,699 in Nuwakot and 196 in Dhading.

The government has provided Rs 10 million each to Rasuwa and Nuwakot, Rs 5 million to Dhading and Rs 135 million to the affected 15 municipalities.

There are 49,000 litres of diesel, 22,000 litres of petrol and 15,000 litres of aviation fuel in stock in the affected areas. Also, 457 gas cylinders have been sent on grant.

The NRA has said that food and non-food relief materials are being sent to the affected areas by road and air. Government and non-government organizations, private sector, development partners and civil society are assisting in the relief management.