Nepal flood death toll revised to 1,331 as rescue operations continue

Nepal’s reported death toll from devastating floods and landslides was revised from 1,341 to 1,331 as rescue teams continued their work across the Himalayan country. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority issued the latest figure at 6 p.m., after reporting 1,344 casualties at noon.

The operations also produced two rescues. A Chinese national was brought to safety from an audit tunnel at the Upper Trishuli 1 Hydropower Project, while a 64-year-old woman was rescued from Betrawati in Nuwakot.

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Take a look at the ongoing rescue operations being carried out by the Indian rescue team in close coordination with the Nepal Army, inside the Chilime Tunnel. The joint team India-Nepal continues their work despite challenges posed by heavy debris, water and mud.

Indian personnel were working with the Nepal Army inside the Chilime Tunnel, where heavy debris, water and mud had complicated the search. India’s embassy in Nepal said the joint teams continued clearing the tunnel despite the conditions. Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava said the debris had reached close to the tunnel roof in its interior sections.

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India and Nepal rescue teams continue to remove heavy debris, water and mud, which in the interior has reached close to the roof of the Chilime tunnel. This would allow heavy machinery to be taken deep into the tunnel.

The teams are trying to clear a path for heavy machinery. They are also building an access road from Syafrubesi to the tunnel portal because the difficult terrain and narrow valley prevent extensive helicopter use. The road could allow an excavator to reach the site and support the rescue effort.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi had sent about 95 tonnes of humanitarian aid on seven flights, along with 54 specialized personnel. Further shipments are expected to include forensic kits, Bailey bridges and other supplies requested by Nepal’s government. “We will continue to provide assistance as per the requirements of the Nepal government,” ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

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We will continue to provide assistance as per the requirements of the Nepal government.