Bhotekoshi flood death toll rises to 1,290

KATHMANDU: The death toll from the devastating Bhotekoshi flood of August 26 has reached 1,290.

According to Nepal Police, rescue workers have recovered bodies of 34 male children, 45 female children, 250 women and 427 men. Similarly, 532 mutilated bodies have also been recovered. Likewise, two people died in hospital while undergoing treatment.

Police say 4,815 people have gone out of contact following the disaster. The missing list includes 2,369 Nepali men, 478 Nepali women and 618 foreigners.

According to police, DNA samples have been collected from 1,143 bodies and 719 relatives so far. The DNA testing process has been initiated to facilitate the identification of missing people and recovered bodies.

Police say 926 bodies have been safely stored in temporary burial sites after maintaining records of their photographs and DNA.

Meanwhile, two persons were rescued alive from the Trishuli 3A tunnel on Friday, 10 days after the flood. The two have been identified as Sanjay Sah and Kabir Maharjan. Both are employees of Nepal Electricity Authority.

Maharjan is receiving treatment at the Nepali Army Hospital in Kathmandu, while Sah’s condition is said to be normal.