Nearly 1.6 million affected by Bhotekoshi floods, first government situation report says

Nearly 1.6 million people have been affected by the Aug. 26 glacial avalanche and the floods that followed near Nepal’s border with China, according to the government’s first situation report. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said the disaster caused extensive loss of life and property along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river corridor.

Rasuwa and Nuwakot are classified as the worst-affected districts. Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan are listed as moderately affected. The authority reported 987 confirmed deaths, with the highest totals in Chitwan, Nawalparasi East and Nawalparasi West. Reports from 62 districts put the number of missing people at 3,916. Domestic tourists and groups including Nepali nationals account for 62 percent of those reported missing, followed by government employees at 17 percent and foreign nationals at 15 percent.

Rescue teams have brought out 11,814 people, including 253 foreign nationals. At least 3,702 people were rescued by air during 573 helicopter flights. Nepal has deployed 21,011 security personnel, including members of the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force. Teams from India, China and South Korea are also working with Nepali rescuers. Health facilities have treated 279 injured people, while the Nepali Army separately provided medical care to 2,740 people in affected areas.

The floods destroyed 41 concrete bridges and damaged four more. Preliminary figures show that 1,267 houses in Nuwakot were completely destroyed and 1,253 were partially damaged. Satellite mapping identified 4,689 buildings at risk along the affected corridor. In Rasuwa, 3,702 households, representing 14,461 people in Gosaikunda and Aamachhodingmo, have remained cut off from roads, electricity and communications for six days. Major highways there remain closed indefinitely, while authorities have also blocked or restricted roads in Nuwakot because of flooding and landslide risks.