Nepal flood death toll rises to 781, still 2,502 missing

Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said that as of 6:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, 781 bodies had been recovered from mudslide-hit areas, with 2,502 people still missing, reported Xinhua.

Meanwhile, the Nepal Tourism Board said that a total of 591 foreign nationals are still out of communication as of the same time.

It said in a statement that 289 foreigners have been rescued and five are now in contact, including three Spanish nationals, one American and one Belgian.

News agency ANI adds: A total of 19,895 security personnel have been deployed for search, rescue and relief operations. The deployment includes 8,399 Nepal Army personnel, 7,293 Nepal Police personnel and 4,203 personnel from the Armed Police Force Nepal.

The authorities said 8,186 people have so far been rescued, including 2,974 by the Nepal Army, 2,699 by Nepal Police and 2,513 by the Armed Police Force Nepal.

The Government of Nepal has provided NPR 10 million each to Rasuwa and Nuwakot, NPR 5 million to Dhading and NPR 67.5 million to 15 local municipalities as cash assistance.

Meanwhile, 37 trucks carrying food and non-food relief materials have been dispatched to affected areas, while seven helicopter flights have been conducted to transport relief supplies. Communication sets and radios have also been sent to affected regions.

Two tonnes of food supplies along with rescue materials were transported by helicopter to Uttargaya and Dhunche.

The NDRRMA also said that Bhairabi, Suryamati and Panchakanya oil stores in Nuwakot currently have 36,000 litres of diesel and 24,000 litres of petrol in stock. Aviation fuel stocks stand at 14,000 litres, against consumption of 25,000 litres.

The status update comes as Nepal Home Minister Sudan Gurung visited the flood-affected area in Nuwakot and gave instructions to rescue teams as rescue and relief operations continue in the flood-hit region on Sunday.

Meanwhile, flow in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa has reportedly increased further, urging personnel involved in search, rescue and relief operations to exercise utmost caution.

In a post on X, NDRRMA said, "Alert: The flow of the flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa has reportedly increased further

The authority urged all personnel engaged in search, rescue and relief operations in affected areas, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan, as well as surrounding regions, to remain vigilant.

NDRRMA further said, "Therefore, all personnel engaged in search, rescue, and relief operations in affected areas including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, and surrounding regions, as well as those in riparian zones and other relevant parties, are requested to exercise utmost caution."

The disaster management authority said it would continue to monitor the situation and provide further information.

"We will provide updates as soon as further information is received," NDRRMA said.