Death toll tops 1,050 in Nepal floods; over 300 Indians still missing

NEW DELHI: The death toll from the devastating floods in Nepal has crossed 1,050, while more than 4,000 people remain unaccounted for as rescue teams intensify searches, including at hydropower project tunnels. Nepal Police reported that 1,058 bodies had been recovered and 4,606 people remained unaccounted for as of 2 pm on Tuesday. More than 11,000 people have been rescued from the flood-hit areas, according to authorities.

More than 300 Indians are among those reported missing. Search operations are continuing for hundreds of workers associated with hydropower projects affected by the floods.

Around 500 workers are believed to be trapped in hydropower tunnels, with rescue teams facing difficulties caused by collapsed sections, mud and debris inside the tunnels. Indian and other international specialist teams are assisting Nepal in the search and rescue operations.

Steps to identify victims

The deaths of Indian nationals have not been officially confirmed. Nepal Police have uploaded photographs and details of unidentified victims on their website to help relatives identify them.

Arrangements have also been made for DNA matching. Relatives can provide blood samples or send DNA profiles to Nepal Police by email for identification.

An Indian forensic team is assisting in the identification process by collecting and analysing DNA samples in coordination with Nepalese authorities.

With a large number of unidentified bodies placing pressure on morgues, authorities have begun temporary burials while preserving samples and other details needed for identification.

In India, authorities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have remained alert as floodwaters move downstream. Bihar authorities have advised people not to catch, sell or consume fish from floodwaters because of the risk of contamination. Nepal authorities have also warned people against eating fish from affected rivers following contamination caused by flood debris and animal remains.