Rasuwa Flood: Sample Collection from 1,181 Dead Bodies for DNA Matching

Samples from 1,181 of the dead bodies and 1,186 blood samples from the relatives of the deceased have been collected for the identification of the dead ones in the Bhotekoshi flash flood.

The samples are collected for DNA matching to identify the dead ones by the concerned families/relatives. Spokesperson of the Nepal Police, DIG Abhi Narayan Kafle, informed RSS that DNA sample collection was continued with top priority for the identification of the dead bodies.

The Bhotekoshi flooding and its subsequent impact in the Trishuli River system resulted in significant losses of lives and property. Meanwhile, a total of 1,339 dead bodies have so far been retrieved from various districts, while 4,044 people have remained missing since the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems on August 26.

According to the latest update unveiled by the Nepal Police Headquarters, among those bodies, 163 were found in Rasuwa, 193 in Nuwakot, 67 in Dhading, 362 in Chitwan, 74 in Gorkha, 38 in Tanahu, 22 2 in Nawalparasi East and 220 in Nawalparasi West. Among the recovered bodies, 1,037 have been inhumed meeting all the required standards, while the identification and management of the remaining bodies have been initiated.

The security personnel have continued search and rescue operations in the affected areas. A preliminary assessment conducted under the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) showed that approximately 7,570 houses were affected with around 32,933 people. Number of government offices receiving damages stands at 48.

Similarly, 55 kilometers of roads, 37 motorable bridges, and 68 suspension bridges received damages. Nearly 1,806 hectares of agricultural land, 13 hydropower projects, one solar power plant and two transmission lines have been also damaged. The assessment further indicates that 783 MW of hydropower generation capacity was affected, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Saturday. (RSS)