Kathmandu-- Three days after the devastating flash flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, security forces are still scrambling to rescue those trapped in various locations, distribute relief, and retrieve the bodies that have surfaced after the water levels receded. Hundreds of people are still waiting for rescue, and local governments are asking the federal government to expedite the process of retrieving bodies, as well as providing food and shelter to the victims.
469 bodies have already been retrieved as of 7 am local time Friday from the flood-ravaged areas, and health officials are facing difficulties keeping the bodies until they can be identified and handed over to their families. Similarly, 3253 people have been rescued. Around ten thousand security forces have been deployed.
Although security forces are working round the clock on rescue and relief operations, their efforts are insufficient given the magnitude of the disaster. The international community, including major countries such as India, China, and the USA, has shown willingness to help with rescue efforts, but the government has decided not to accept direct external support for rescue operations.
Damaged roads and a lack of electricity and telephone services have made the situation worse. The condition in Rasuwa is particularly alarming, with local representatives stating that they are facing severe shortages of food and temporary shelter.
Madhav Aryal, Chairperson of Uttargaya Rural Municipality in Rasuwa, stated that they are experiencing the agonizing reality of waiting for aerial rescue operations after coordinating with every relevant authority, but there has been no response. According to him, many injured people are still waiting to be rescued and treated.
He said: “Dozens of bodies line the riverbanks. Yet, when we attempt to coordinate with local police to cremate victims identified by their families, police inform us that they need permission from higher authorities.”
He added: “Our region is completely cut off from road access. Prolonged power outages have downed mobile networks, severing all communication. While severe loss of life has been reported in Timure and Syabrubesi, even more unimaginable casualties have occurred in Mailung, Salletar, Pairebesi, Kaidletar, and Betrawati. Countless families have been rendered homeless.”
Prabha Bogati, Deputy Mayor of Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot district, said the situation on the ground is devastating. School children living in temporary shelters for the past three days are becoming sick, and there is an urgent need to evacuate them to safe areas, Bogati said. She noted that there is a severe lack of coordination between the central and local governments, as well as between government and non-governmental bodies.
The international community has already announced support for the flood victims. Similarly, people from across the world are donating to the Prime Minister’s relief fund, but it could take several weeks for that support to reach those in need.
