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The death toll from the flash floods in Nepal has risen to 1,252, while around 4,216 people remain missing or out of contact, according to the latest search, rescue and relief update issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on Thursday.
The figures, based on details received until 12 noon, show the widespread impact of the disaster across several districts. The highest number of recovered bodies has been reported from Chitwan, with 355, followed by Nawalparasi East with 218, Nawalparasi West with 208, Nuwakot with 177 and Rasuwa with 127. According to NDRRMA, bodies have also been recovered from Gorkha, Dhading and Tanahun. Only 95 bodies have so far been identified and handed over to relatives, highlighting the continuing challenge of identifying victims. The authority said around 11,993 people have been rescued, while 5,135 injured people have received medical treatment. Of those, 301 were treated at various hospitals, while the Nepali Army and Armed Police Force provided treatment to 3,206 and 1,628 people, respectively. The missing list includes people from several categories, with approximately 900 people linked to hydroelectric projects still unaccounted for. Around 583 foreign citizens and 164 Nepalis accompanying foreign tourists are also listed as missing or out of contact. Search and rescue operations remain focused on areas affected by landslides, floodwaters and debris. Security forces have deployed more than 21,000 personnel for rescue, search, relief distribution and related operations. NDRRMA said relief materials, including food and non-food items, are being transported to affected areas through trucks, vehicles and helicopter flights. Relief supplies have also been moved within Nuwakot and Rasuwa through aerial operations. Around 3,948 people are currently staying at holding centres, including 2,981 in Nuwakot, 320 in Rasuwa, 260 in Dhading and 387 in Kathmandu. The disaster has also caused significant damage to communication infrastructure. NDRRMA reported that 110 Nepal Telecom towers and 78 Ncell towers were damaged, although most are currently operational. Meanwhile, international assistance has continued to reach Nepal. The United States has deployed specialised disaster recovery supplies, while India has sent rescue personnel, tunnel rescue equipment and essential medicines. India's fifth aircraft carried an 11-member rescue team and 5.5 tonnes of medicines to Nepal. A 19-member Indian forensic team is also assisting Nepal Police with DNA analysis to identify victims. The floods, triggered by extreme weather and Himalayan hazards, have caused extensive destruction across northern and central Nepal, with rescue teams continuing efforts to locate survivors and recover bodies from affected settlements and hydropower facilities. (ANI)
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