Kathmandu— Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting communities impacted by severe flooding in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts, stating that rescue and rehabilitation operations will continue until successful outcomes are achieved. The Prime Minister detailed ongoing efforts involving coordination between federal, provincial, and local officials, prioritizing the safety of affected citizens and mobilizing state resources following the disaster which has resulted in significant loss of life and property. As of Saturday evening, 7,514 people had been rescued, including those trapped in hydropower projects, with additional security personnel and helicopters deployed to aid operations.

Extensive Rescue Operations Underway

A total of 7,514 individuals were safely evacuated as of Saturday evening, according to the Prime Minister’s statement. Rescuers also successfully reached 279 people stranded in various hydropower projects, with the Nepali Army continuing its efforts at other locations. Despite challenging weather and terrain, the government has prioritized saving lives by fully utilizing available state mechanisms.

Recovery of Victims and Identification Process

As of Saturday, authorities had recovered 657 bodies from eight districts – Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Tanahun, Gorkha, Nawalparasi Bardaghat Purba, and Nawalparasi Bardaghat Paschim. The Prime Minister assured the public that these remains are being handled with respect, stored in airtight bags, and managed according to established directives for unidentified and unclaimed bodies. DNA testing will be conducted where necessary to aid identification before remains are released to families.

Infrastructure Restoration and Relief Distribution

Efforts have been made to restore critical infrastructure, including telecommunications networks; services have been resumed at 90 of Nepal Telecom’s 120 affected towers and 71 of Ncell's 78. The Rasuwa district has been reconnected to the national road network, and a section of the Prithvi Highway has also been repaired. Relief materials are being collected at multiple locations including Tribhuvan International Airport and dispatched to distribution centers in Nuwakot and Rasuwa, coordinated by the Nepali Army and local officials.

Shelter and Support for Displaced Populations

Three camps have been established in Rasuwa and 15 in Nuwakot to provide temporary shelter for those not requiring medical attention. These facilities, along with schools and community buildings, are currently accommodating around 3,500 displaced people. The government is also providing healthcare services and psychosocial counseling to injured individuals and their families, while volunteer organizations like the Nepal Red Cross and Nepal Scout are assisting in relief efforts.

The Prime Minister urged citizens not to doubt the government’s response as relief and recovery operations continue across the affected regions. Further updates on rescue figures and infrastructure restoration will be provided as they become available.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.