Kathmandu:The government has decided to advance the ‘search and recovery’ operations in the areas affected by the Bhotekoshi flood. This decision was made during the 37th executive committee meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) held at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singha Durbar, chaired by Home Minister Sudhan Gurung. The meeting included a detailed review of search and rescue efforts, relief distribution, and the setup of relief camps.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Executive Chief of NDRRMA, Dr. Dharma Raj Uprety, confirmed that search operations are ongoing, particularly in two tunnel sites. While the rescue phase is transitioning, efforts are now focused on rehabilitation and recovery. Scientific methods, including DNA testing, are being employed to identify bodies, with 3,685 forensic samples being processed across two laboratories. The Nepal Police Central Forensics Laboratory in Kathmandu has received 1,957 samples, and the National Forensic Laboratory has received 1,728 samples, with international experts assisting in the identification process.
NDRRMA data indicates that 5,285 people remain unaccounted for following the floods. So far, 1,454 bodies and remains have been recovered, with only 112 identified. A total of 1,292 bodies have been safely managed underground. As the likelihood of finding survivors diminishes, the government is reallocating focus and resources towards search and recovery operations.
The meeting also addressed legal challenges related to distributing monetary relief to the families of deceased individuals. Under current laws, a person is declared dead only after being missing for 12 years, or sooner under specific circumstances such as age or military deployment. To expedite relief, the government plans a special administrative solution, allowing local governments to certify missing persons’ information and forward it to District Administration Offices and then to the NDRRMA for further action.
Efforts are also underway to provide temporary housing, reconstruction, and rehabilitation for those who lost their homes. Currently, 278 families from seven local government units have requested temporary shelter. Additionally, 400 families from Gosaikunda Rural Municipality and 350 displaced families from Uttargaya and other areas are currently housed in Bidur Municipality, with final shelter arrangements still being determined.