Rescue and search operations continue in flood-affected areas, 4,200 still missing

Kathmandu: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that financial and technical assistance is needed for the rescue of people affected by the Bhotekoshi floods.

Speaking at a press briefing organised by the ministry today to provide updates on the rescue and relief efforts for those affected by the Bhotekoshi floods, ministry spokesperson and joint secretary Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said advanced drones, drilling machines and refrigerated units for storing bodies, among other equipment, are needed to rescue people missing in the floods and those trapped inside tunnels.

Spokesperson Chhetri said that, so far, rescue teams from Nepal, India, China, South Korea and other countries have recovered 903 bodies from flood-affected areas and rescued more than 10,000 people, including 323 foreign nationals.

Likewise, according to the available data, around 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries are still missing.

The ministry said that additional verified details received from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Nepal Tourism Board and other concerned agencies will be updated regularly.