International
oi-Gaurav Sharma
The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has now shoot up to 734, reports said. The rescue teams are still searching for nearly 2,500 people reportedly still missing.
The Himalayan nation is facing a challenge of space to store the mortal remains, recovered from the disaster, and authorities have decided to bury the unidentified and unclaimed bodies in airtight bags after preserving DNA samples and evidence to help identify later.
Nepal’s flash floods have caused 734 deaths and 2,500 disappearances; unclaimed bodies will be buried in airtight bags after DNA preservation. Over 11,000 personnel, including foreign teams from India and China, are engaged in rescue operations amid rising water levels.
PM Balendra Shah said the government will take responsibility for bodies that cannot be identified, Nepal PM posted on social media on Saturday, adding the DNA and other evidence would be preserved to help identify the victims in the future.
The priority is to save the lives of the citizens as the rescue and relief operation continues in the country’s affected areas.
The situation on the ground is challenging as rising water levels pose fresh risks to rescue personnel. Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said the flow of the river Bhotekoshi in Rasuwa had increased further and urged rescue teams and residents of vulnerable areas to be careful.
Authorities have warned people residing in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan and along the riverbanks to take extra care as flood waters continue to rise.
More than 11,000 security personnel have been mobilized for search, rescue and relief operations, including over 5,000 from the Nepal Army.
Foreign Rescue Teams Join Operations
Nepal initially refused offers from foreign rescue teams but later changed its stance under pressure from countries that have nationals stranded or missing in the disaster.
Teams from India, China, Australia and South Korea have been permitted to assist Nepalese authorities in rescue and relief operations.
India has sent an 11-member team, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) along with medical supplies and other assistance.
