Rescue of people, recovery of bodies top priority: Minister Dr Timilsina

Nuwakot: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has said that rescuing those still missing while also recovering and collecting the bodies of those who lost their lives to the August 26 Bhotekoshi floods remains government’s immediate priority.

Minister Dr Timilsina articulated so while speaking to the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) here on Sunday regarding the ongoing search and rescue operations, distribution of relief materials and recovery of bodies in the Bhotekoshi flood-affected areas.

During the talk, Minister Timilsina said that the government had deployed two dedicated helicopters specifically for the collection and transportation of bodies. Timilsina also shared that people who have been completely displaced by the devastating floods in Bhotekoshi river in Rasuwa district were being provided with food and shelter at various holding centres.

The Minister appraised that the government is working relentlessly round-the-clock to rescue alive those believed to be trapped inside tunnels of various hydropower projects in the affected areas.

“Efforts are underway to search for and rescue those who are trapped while trying to escape the floods.” Minister Timilsina expressed optimism, saying, “We still have hope that some of them may be found alive. The history of rescue operations around the world has witnessed remarkable cases where people have been rescued against all odds.”

According to him, initiatives are being taken to install Bailey bridges at three locations to restore connectivity across the Trishuli River, which has been severely disrupted by the floods.

He said Devighat, Dhunge and Betrawati have been identified as priority locations for installation of temporary bridges.

RSS