Nepal flood death toll hits 734, thousands still missing

The death toll from devastating floods in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers has risen to 734, while 2,498 people remain missing, according to the latest figures released by the government.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said in its search, rescue and relief update issued on August 30 that authorities had recovered 734 bodies and human remains from several districts affected by the floods, Caliber.Az reports via The Kathmandu Post.

The missing include 933 people associated with a hydropower project, 589 foreign nationals and 127 Nepalis who were travelling with them. The list also includes 85 missing security personnel — 45 from the Nepali Army, 27 from Nepal Police and 13 from the Armed Police Force.

According to the government, 242 people were injured in the floods, including those still receiving medical treatment and those who have since been discharged.

The high number of fatalities has also posed a major challenge for authorities working to identify the victims. Unidentified bodies have been transferred to 21 hospitals across several districts, where they are being preserved while efforts to establish their identities continue.

Authorities have also begun distributing relief funds and essential supplies in the worst-hit areas. The government has dispatched 37 trucks carrying food and non-food items and conducted seven helicopter flights to deliver relief supplies to affected communities.

By Jeyhun Aghazada