Nepal flood death toll rises to 1,342, nearly 5,000 missing

The death toll from the devastating flash floods in northern Nepal has risen to 1,342 as of Saturday morning, September 5, according to Nepal Police. A total of 4,886 people remain missing, the Kathmandu Post reported.

According to police data, bodies were recovered from eight districts, including 360 in Chitwan, 230 in West Nawalparasi, 222 in East Nawalparasi, 192 in Nuwakot, 160 in Rasuwa, 73 in Gorkha, 67 in Dhading and 38 in Tanahun.

Police said 1,030 bodies have been cremated so far after DNA sample collection and other identification processes. Among them, 222 are women, 355 are men, and the gender of 453 bodies could not be determined.

Authorities have collected 2,272 DNA samples for identification, including 1,260 from the deceased and 1,012 from relatives. Details of 1,270 unidentified bodies have been uploaded on the police website.

Nepal Police has deployed 7,912 personnel for search, rescue, relief distribution, body recovery and other emergency operations in the affected areas.

Currently, about 3,240 people are being sheltered in holding centres across various districts. Police and local authorities have been working to relocate families from flood-prone areas to safe shelters.

Security forces are also working with locals and other agencies to clear damaged roads and conduct rescue operations in flood-affected areas.