Bhotekoshi flood: Death toll rises to 489, still missing 2,381

The death toll from the sudden flood that swept through the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa on Wednesday morning has reached 489. According to Nepal Police, the bodies of 489 people had been recovered from various districts as of noon Friday.

The highest number of bodies was recovered in Chitwan, where 186 deaths were recorded. Authorities recovered 112 bodies in Nawalparasi East, 44 in Gorkha, 40 in Dhading, 37 in Nuwakot, 29 in Tanahun, 28 in Nawalparasi West and 13 in Rasuwa. Most of the bodies are in a condition that makes identification difficult.

Nepal Police spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General Abinarayan Kafle said 1,545 people had so far been rescued from the flood-affected areas. The rescued include 572 people from Rasuwa, 898 from Nuwakot and three from Dhading.

People injured in the disaster have been airlifted or otherwise transported to Kathmandu for treatment. Police said 87 injured people are currently receiving treatment at hospitals in the capital.

Several security personnel and government employees also remain unaccounted for. They include 44 personnel from the Nepali Army, 28 from Nepal Police and 13 from the Armed Police Force. Fifteen employees of the Timure Customs Office and four employees of the Timure Immigration Office are also missing.

Overall, 2,381 people remain unaccounted for following the disaster, police said.

Search and rescue operations have been intensified in the affected areas, with security forces and other government agencies continuing efforts to locate missing people and assist those at risk.