Kathmandu [Nepal], August 29 (HBTV): Nepal has mobilised a massive search, rescue and relief operation following flash floods in the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli corridor, with more than 4,400 people rescued and over 15,000 security personnel deployed across affected areas, Prime Minister Balen Shah said on Saturday.
Addressing the nation on Raksha Bandhan, Shah reaffirmed the government's commitment to reaching every disaster-affected citizen and said security agencies, local administrations, health teams and international partners were working together to expedite search, rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
A total of 15,431 security personnel have been deployed for search and rescue operations, including 6,755 from the Nepali Army, 4,473 from Nepal Police and 4,203 from the Armed Police Force Nepal.
'A total of 15,431 security personnel have been deployed for search and rescue operations. This includes 4,473 from Nepal Police, 6,755 from the Nepali Army, and 4,203 from the Armed Police Force Nepal, active in affected areas including Rasuwa and the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli corridor,' Shah said in a Facebook post.
Operational teams have rescued 4,451 people, including 191 workers from trapped hydropower tunnels and 517 people through air rescue operations.
'So far, 4,451 people have been rescued. This includes 191 individuals rescued from hydropower tunnels and 517 rescued via today's air rescue operations. Sixteen helicopters from the Nepali Army and the private sector are continuously conducting shuttle flights in areas like Dhunche, Trishuli, Timure, and Syabrubesi, completing 99 flights so far,' Shah said.
Specialised teams are focusing on rescuing workers trapped at the Upper Trishuli Hydropower Project, Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Station and other vulnerable tunnel sites.
Authorities have also rescued and identified 129 foreign tourists and citizens, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is operating a dedicated Emergency Control Room to coordinate with embassies and families.
Alternate routes have reconnected Rasuwa with Kathmandu for light vehicles, while key highways such as Kathmandu-Mugling are operational for one-way traffic. Formal requests have also been initiated for 10 70-metre Bailey bridges from India and China.
'Continuous coordination is ongoing with India, China, and international partners regarding necessary rescue and relief support. Helicopter deployments are optimized based on flight safety, geographical access, and real ground needs,' Shah said.
NPR 67.5 million has been disbursed across 15 affected local levels, while more than NPR 1.9 billion was collected in the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund within 36 hours. Shah said a Business Recovery Package was being prepared and that the Prime Minister and Cabinet members were contributing one month's salary to the fund.
The Prime Minister said security forces, health institutions, the Red Cross, Nepal Scouts, volunteer organisations, the private sector and development partners were working together in an integrated response.
He said early warnings and relocation preparations were active in high-risk zones, with more than 200,000 SMS alerts issued and citizens urged to move to safer locations.
Nepal's Home Minister is personally present in the affected districts to coordinate operations with security agencies, local administration and local governments, Shah said, adding that efforts to restore damaged road networks had also been expedited.
Four KUKL water tankers have been deployed in Nuwakot, along with 900 kg of bleaching powder to ensure safe drinking water.
Fuel reserves in Nuwakot at the Bhairabi, Suryamati and Panchakanya oil stores stand at 41,000 litres of diesel and 24,000 litres of petrol, while 17,000 litres of aviation fuel have been dispatched.
The health Emergency Operation Center is active, with six hospitals placed on standby. Medical teams from Bir Hospital, National Trauma Center, Dhulikhel Hospital and other institutions have been deployed.
Emergency health supplies targeting at least 5,000 people, tents, disease surveillance measures, and maternal and child health services are being maintained.
Telecommunication services have been restored at 145 of the 198 affected tower sites, including 82 of 120 Nepal Telecom sites and 63 of 78 Ncell sites. Technical teams and power sources are being deployed to restore services at the remaining sites.
Electricity has been restored to nearly 90 per cent of Nuwakot, while work is underway to restore power in Dhunche.
The flash floods in the Bhote Koshi River area of Rasuwa have caused widespread destruction, with hundreds of people dead or missing and key roads and communication links disrupted. (ANI)