One month into the deadly floods Nepal continues to search for missing people as death toll reaches over 1400

Four weeks following the apocalyptic flood in Nepal, search operations still continue for missing 6,000 people, as authorities said on Sunday. The deadly floods that originated near the Nepal-Tibet border destroyed homes, buildings and devastated towns and villages in the northern and central parts of the Himalayan nation. Bridges swept away, people, homes and vehicles were seen taken along with the water in a minute’s second as the BhoteKoshi River carried the floodwaters downstream.

According to a statement by the Nepal Police, the death count of the August 26th flash flood reached 1,451 as the rescuers recovered more bodies from the affected areas. Chitwan district reports the highest number of dead bodies recovered, while Rasuwa and Nawalparasi East reported 236 and 232 bodies respectively. In Nawalparasi West, rescue forces recovered 222 bodies. The statement further mentioned that 203 bodies were recovered from Nuwakot, 79 from Gorkha, 72 from Dhading and 38 from Tanahu.

River stretches, fields and damaged hydropower plant in Rasuwa are being searched for missing persons.

Identifying the bodies has emerged as a major challenge as the rescue operation continues. Many of the bodies that swept downstream have either been decomposed, damaged or recovered only in parts, making it difficult for the rescuers to identify them. Nearly 1,300 bodies so far have been temporarily buried after their DNA samples were collected. 110 bodies of the recovered have been handed over to the families after identification. Reconstruction of the suspension bridge along the Trishuli corridor has begun. Residents have been reportedly facing difficulties accessing facilities, essential facilities, schools and healthcare.