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Nepal has updated the number of bodies recovered from the devastating flash flood in the Bhote Koshi basin to 538, while rescue teams have intensified searches for the 937 people missing across the country. The National Authority for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management confirmed the toll in its latest bulletin, specifying that the highest number of victims was recorded in the Chitwan district, with 221 deaths, in the lower reaches of the river.
Meanwhile, China has updated the death toll in the Tibetan county of Gyirong, also affected by the flood, to five and confirmed the number of missing at 558.
The bodies dragged downstream
Most of the bodies were found in southern areas, such as Nawalparasi East (134), about 150 kilometers from the source of the flood, as the force of the current dragged mud, debris and victims down the mountain slope until it slowed down. According to data from the National Authority, at least 393 of the recovered bodies remain unidentified in morgues across the region, where dozens of relatives anxiously examine photographs displayed in centers such as the Pokhara Institute of Health Sciences, in an attempt to recognize their loved ones.
Among the more than 930 missing people in Nepal are 105 civil servants, 228 local residents and a group of 644 unaccounted for people, including 517 foreigners and 127 Nepalese citizens living abroad.
The Italian task force in Kathmandu
The task force of the Farnesina Crisis Unit has arrived in Kathmandu together with the staff of the Italian Embassy in New Delhi, sent on the recommendation of Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to strengthen the Italian diplomatic presence on site and assistance to compatriots. The Italian personnel are also on site to try to acquire information on the status of the three compatriots who are still missing.
The teams will coordinate the work of the Honorary Consulate of Italy in Kathmandu and will operate in conjunction with the local authorities, continuing assistance activities for compatriots and checks in the areas affected by the landslide on the border between Nepal and the Tibetan region.
The risk of new floods
Meanwhile, the risk of further flooding remains in the areas on the border between Nepal and China. In recommending maximum caution, the Farnesina invites compatriots present or traveling in the area to avoid the affected areas, in particular the Gyirong crossing in Shigatse prefecture, to keep themselves constantly informed and to scrupulously follow the instructions of the local authorities.
Compatriots present in the area are invited to register their presence on the «Where we are in the world» portal, to consult the «Viaggiare Sicuri» website and to download the Viaggiare Sicuri app of the Crisis Unit to receive updates and communications relating to the situation.