Kathmandu— Following severe flooding of the Bhotekoshi River on August 26th, Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah has assured citizens that the government is acting as a guardian for those affected by the disaster. The prime minister detailed ongoing rescue efforts, relief distribution, and reconstruction plans in a statement released this evening, emphasizing the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain. As of today, 9,435 people have been rescued, with significant deployments of security personnel from the Nepal Army, Police, and Armed Police Force to aid in the response.

Extensive Rescue and Relief Operations

Despite challenging conditions, rescue teams have successfully evacuated 9,435 individuals by both air and land to safer locations. A total of 20,618 security personnel are currently deployed within the disaster zone, working to provide immediate assistance. Specifically, 279 people were rescued from the affected hydropower project areas, including 250 from the Upper Trishuli-I area in Rasuwa over two days. International collaboration is also underway, with expert teams from China and Korea assisting Nepal Army efforts; the Chinese team has scanned three kilometers inside a tunnel but found no one.

Medical Support and Infrastructure Restoration

As of today, 156 people have been discharged from hospitals, and the condition of remaining injured citizens is reportedly improving. A dedicated medical team dispatched from Kathmandu is providing both treatment and psychological counseling in affected areas, with efforts to restore disrupted health services underway. Simultaneously, authorities are working to re-establish communication networks and repair damaged roads, including the crucial Kathmandu-Muglin route which has been impacted by erosion near Krishnabhir.

International Aid and Body Recovery

Nepal is receiving support from neighboring countries, with relief materials arriving from both India and China. These supplies are being transported via air and land to distribution points in Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts. The grim task of recovering bodies continues, with 781 confirmed fatalities as of today. Identified remains are being returned to families, while procedures for managing unidentified bodies – including DNA preservation – have been initiated.

Ongoing Challenges Remain

Prime Minister Shah acknowledged the difficulties in fully assessing the extent of the damage due to ongoing adverse weather and complex geographical conditions. Landslides triggered by rising water levels continue to hamper efforts to restore alternative routes, further complicating access to affected areas.

The government remains focused on providing long-term support for reconstruction and rehabilitation, with a commitment to assisting all those impacted by the devastating floods.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.