359 bodies retrieved, 910 missing, 1500 rescued; MoFA sets up ERT to support foreign nationals

Kathmandu, Aug 27: Bodies of 359 victims of the Bhotekoshi flash flood has been retrieved from different places till Thursday evening.

According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 910 people including 517 foreign nationals were missing after the flood that occurred on Wednesday morning in Kerung, border point between Nepal and China.

13,295 security personnel were mobilised for rescue today. 69 flights were made by choppers today for the rescue of 796 people including 50 foreign nationals. As many as 756 people stranded due to flood were rescued through land today.

MoFA sets up ERT to support foreign nationals

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) established an Emergency Response Team (ERT) on Thursday to facilitate search, rescue, information verification and consular assistance in respect of foreign nationals affected by, missing in, or otherwise connected to the flood incident in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts on Wednesday.

“In view of the recent flash floods in Rasuwa district, which has resulted in massive loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and reports of missing persons including foreign nationals, the MoFA has formed the ERT with immediate effect,” read a statement from the Ministry.

The ERT will serve as the central coordinating body within the MoFA in facilitating the search, rescue, verification and support to the foreign nationals affected by the disaster.

Concerned persons and relatives can contact the ERT via Hotline/WhatsApp +977-9744441227 +977-9744441228 (7am to 10pm) or Email to emergency@mofa.gov.np.

The Ministry has requested the concerned diplomatic missions, international organisations, families of missing persons, and members of the public are requested to contact these numbers and email for any information regarding foreign nationals affected by or missing in connection with the Rasuwa flash flood.

“The Ministry appeals to all concerned to refrain from circulating unverified information and to rely on official channels for updates,” it said.