Kathmandu, September 2: The relief and rescue operations continue in Nepal following the recent devastating floods. Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, reported that an Indian tunnel rescue team is working alongside the Nepalese army to locate individuals trapped in the Chilime area of the Rasuwagadhi district.
Ambassador Srivastava shared on the social media platform ‘X’ that the Indian team is persevering despite extremely challenging conditions. He noted that the rescue team is utilizing temporary flotation devices to reach deeper into the tunnel, which has limited space and difficult terrain. The team is committed to continuing their efforts on Wednesday to rescue anyone still trapped inside.
In addition, a 19-member forensic team from India is assisting in identifying the missing and affected individuals in Nepal. This team has begun analyzing DNA samples in collaboration with Nepalese experts at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory and the National Forensic Science Laboratory located in Khumaltar, Kathmandu Valley.
According to the Indian Embassy, this team is helping Nepal analyze DNA samples collected from flood-affected areas to expedite the identification of the deceased and missing persons.
As per Nepal Police, by Tuesday evening, 1,068 bodies had been recovered from the flood-affected regions. Of these, only partial remains of 400 bodies were found, complicating identification efforts. Authorities indicated that DNA samples are being preserved for those bodies that remain unidentified.
Currently, 4,606 individuals are still reported missing, including 583 foreign nationals, raising concerns that the death toll may rise further. Reports indicate that many individuals are also missing in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river areas, where hydroelectric project sites are located in the Rasuwagadhi and Nuwakot districts. In response to the Nepalese government’s request, both India and China have sent teams of technical experts to assist in search and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah stated that the bodies of those who lost their lives in the floods and remain unidentified are being managed according to legal and scientific procedures. He mentioned that with the help of the Nepalese army, police, and armed police forces, the final management of the bodies is being conducted while ensuring the preservation of DNA samples and other evidence. Identified bodies are being handed over to their families.
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