Kathmandu— On the seventh day since catastrophic floods devastated the Bhotekoshi River region of Nepal, claiming at least 1,010 lives and leaving around 4,000 people unaccounted for, international rescue teams from India, China, Republic of Korea (RoK), and Singapore are aiding in search, rescue, evacuation, and relief operations. The unified force includes more than 21,000 personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force.

International Coordination

Specialized tunnel rescue teams from India and China are mobilised at affected hydropower sites. The Indian team is working with the Nepali Army at Chilime and Langtang hydropower sites, while a Chinese team coordinates with the Nepali Army at the Upper Trishuli 3A project site. A team from RoK has also arrived to assist in rescue efforts.

According to Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Nepal is coordinating closely with its neighbors and international community to mobilize specific expertise, equipment, and resources required for ongoing operations. A 19-member forensic team from India specializing in DNA analysis continues to work with Nepali authorities since August 29th. Additionally, a four-person forensic team from China is expected to arrive later.

Damage Assessment

The scale and extent of damage caused by the disaster are becoming clearer as access improves and more details emerge. The concerned authorities are assessing the damage to houses, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities, and other critical infrastructure.

Chhetri reiterated that given the magnitude of destruction, Nepal anticipates requiring substantial international support during the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase. The government has requested specific items such as LiDAR, belly bridges, freezers, DNA testing kits, load carriers, bags for human remains, high-capacity drones, gene sequencers, and other necessary equipment.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.