Nearly 5,000 people remain missing as Nepal seeks temporary bridges from India and China to reconnect flood-hit communities
Kathmandu: The death toll from Nepal’s devastating flash floods has climbed to 1,356, while 4,994 people remain missing and 13,396 have been rescued, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
The floods caused extensive damage to homes, vehicles, roads, bridges and hydropower projects, cutting off several communities. Nepal has sought temporary bridges from India and China, with both countries responding positively.
China has sent two 100-metre Bailey bridges to the Korala border crossing in Mustang. The Department of Roads estimates damage to roads and bridges at NPR 30 billion, while reconstruction could cost around NPR 50 billion.
Between Rasuwa and Chitwan, 41 motorable bridges were destroyed and four partially damaged, leaving only 18 of 63 bridges intact. In Rasuwa, the floods also severed the road link with Nuwakot, while the Furke Khola bridge was destroyed, disrupting the connection between Dhadingbesi and the Prithvi Highway.
The Nepali Army is installing an Acrow bridge at Devighat in Nuwakot. However, transporting Bailey bridges remains difficult as several access roads have also been washed away.
Only 98 bodies had been identified and handed over to families as of Monday. In Tibet, at least 43 people were killed and more than 500 remain missing, according to Chinese media reports.
