Tragedy in Nepal: Death toll from devastating floods rises to 676
The situation in the Bhote Koshi basin remains critical. Nepalese authorities reported this Saturday that the number of bodies recovered following the intense flash floods last Wednesday has risen to 669 in Nepalese territory. Adding the seven confirmed deaths in the Tibetan region of China, the total death toll stands at 676 people, while rescue teams continue the search for nearly 3,000 missing persons on both sides of the border.
Health and forensic crisis in the affected areas
The magnitude of the disaster has exceeded the management capacity of local services. The saturation of morgues and the rapid state of decomposition of the bodies have forced authorities, especially in the Nawalpur district, to implement emergency protocols. DNA samples are being taken en masse before proceeding with burials in forest areas to manage the corpses that have not been identified.
Rescue efforts are facing extremely complex terrain, where hardened mud hinders access to areas where it is feared that dozens of people remain buried.
Impact on tourists and workers
- Tourists: The Nepal Tourism Board reports the rescue of 184 people, including Spanish citizens, but maintains an alert for 420 tourists still missing.
- Workers: There is deep concern for hundreds of laborers who could be trapped in the flooded tunnels of the region’s hydroelectric plants.
In the face of this emergency, the Nepalese government has requested specialized international assistance in forensic management and technical teams for rescue operations in underground infrastructure. For its part, the government deployment is massive, with more than 30,000 military personnel working in the hardest-hit areas, such as Chitwan and East Nawalparasi.
Humanitarian aid and projections
Estimates indicate that at least 93,000 people have been affected by the natural phenomenon. International organizations have launched a financial appeal for 26.7 million euros to support the efforts of the local Red Cross, which is already distributing basic supplies such as water, food, mattresses, and hygiene items in areas where road access has been restored.
