Kathmandu (Rajeev Sharma): Nepal’s flood disaster has taken a heavy toll, with the number of reported deaths rising to 794, while more than 2,500 people are still missing. Rescue agencies have stepped up operations across the affected areas as the search for survivors continues.
One of the biggest challenges before rescue personnel is reaching people believed to be stranded inside tunnels at several hydropower facilities. Special attention is being given to the Trishuli-3A hydropower project, where workers are feared to have been caught inside the tunnels after the floods.
Experts from India and China are assisting local teams in the rescue effort. Authorities have been trying to establish communication with those who may be inside the underground structures. However, rescue personnel have so far been unable to establish contact with the trapped individuals.
Many Missing Believed to Be Hydropower Employees
Officials believe that a substantial portion of those listed as missing could be workers employed at hydropower projects in the flood-affected areas.
The location of several power projects near rivers and steep mountainous terrain has made access particularly difficult. Rescue teams are therefore working carefully while simultaneously searching for missing people and evacuating those found in danger.
Bodies Recovered From All Affected Districts
Search and recovery operations have now extended across all eight districts affected by the floods. Bodies have been recovered from each of these districts, while teams continue to investigate areas where people are still reported missing.
The difficult terrain, damaged roads and infrastructure and continuing challenges at several locations have slowed rescue efforts. Despite this, teams are maintaining an extensive search operation to locate survivors.
Tibet Also Reports Deaths and Missing People
The disaster has affected areas beyond Nepal as well. In Tibet, at least 16 people have died, while 546 others remain missing, according to the reported figures.
Rescue teams in the region are continuing their search for survivors. Authorities on both sides are facing the difficult task of reaching isolated and severely affected areas while accounting for those who remain untraceable.
With the missing persons figure still running into thousands, rescue agencies are concentrating their efforts on hydropower facilities, flood-hit settlements and other locations where people may be stranded.
