Bhote Koshi Floods: Death Toll Reaches 675; India, China and Global Donors Ramp Up Relief Support

KATHMANDU — Search and rescue operations have been significantly intensified in the Bhote Koshi flood-hit areas, with the death toll climbing to 675 across eight districts, including Rasuwa, Dhading, and Nuwakot. As Nepal grapples with the massive devastation, neighboring countries India and China, along with various international agencies, have mobilized technical and financial assistance to support over 18,700 deployed Nepali security personnel.

A major priority of the ongoing operation is rescuing individuals trapped inside various hydropower tunnels. To assist Nepali forces, specialized tunnel rescue teams from both neighboring nations have arrived in the capital. India dispatched its fourth relief flight on Sunday morning, carrying 11 tons of supplies, a 13-member tunnel rescue squad, and a 19-member forensic team to aid in DNA analysis. Similarly, two Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) transport aircraft landed at Tribhuvan International Airport with 50 tons of emergency relief materials and four tunnel rescue specialists.

By Saturday evening, rescue teams had successfully evacuated 7,514 people via air and land routes, including 279 individuals safely extracted from flooded hydropower tunnels. Meanwhile, authorities are strictly following government guidelines for managing the deceased. Unidentified victims are being kept in airtight bags with their DNA profiles preserved for future identification, while identified bodies are being handed over to grieving families.

To aid in the long-term management and rehabilitation of the affected areas, the international community has pledged substantial financial support. The World Bank has announced a $167 million concessional loan, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed a $5 million grant along with $150,000 for technical assistance. Additionally, the Australian and US governments have pledged $1 million and $500,000, respectively, to bolster ongoing relief efforts.