KATHMANDU: Floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain across Nepal have killed 1,331 people, while rescue teams continued searching for survivors in several affected areas.
The death toll was revised down from 1,344 reported in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority’s (NDRRMA) noon update on Saturday. Nepal Police had earlier put the toll at 1,341.
Rescue operations continued on Saturday, with teams rescuing a Chinese national from an audit tunnel at the Upper Trishuli 1 Hydropower Project. A 64-year-old woman was also rescued from Betrawati in Nuwakot.
Indian and Nepalese personnel continued operations inside the Chilime Tunnel, where heavy debris, water and mud hampered efforts to reach people believed to be trapped.
The Indian Embassy in Nepal said its rescue team was working with the Nepal Army to clear the tunnel. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said teams were removing accumulated debris to create space for heavy machinery to enter deeper sections of the tunnel.
He said an access road was also being constructed from Syafrubesi to the tunnel entrance to facilitate the movement of an excavator. Given the difficult terrain and narrow valley, extensive helicopter operations were not possible, he said.
India has also stepped up humanitarian assistance. The Ministry of External Affairs said it had sent around 95 tonnes of relief material to Nepal through seven aircraft, along with 54 specialised personnel involved in rescue, forensic and medical operations.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the assistance was being provided according to requirements communicated by the Nepalese government. The Indian personnel included 30 tunnel rescue specialists, 19 forensic experts and a five-member medical team.
Jaiswal said India would send additional supplies in the coming days, including forensic kits, Bailey bridges and other materials requested by Nepal.
Authorities continued efforts to locate missing people and reach areas cut off by damaged roads and debris.
