Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood: What we know on day three as death toll crosses 500
Summary
A devastating flood in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi river system has killed at least 538 people and left hundreds missing, with bodies recovered across multiple downstream districts. Authorities are expanding morgue capacity, identifying the dead, and monitoring a possible new water surge from the Chinese side of the border.
Key Points
- The death toll from the Bhotekoshi flood has reached 538, while as many as 977 people remain missing, including 517 foreigners.
- Bodies have been found across downstream districts, forcing authorities in places like Chitwan, Pokhara and Nawalparasi East to create temporary morgues and body-storage centres.
- Search and rescue operations involve more than 4,400 police personnel, along with the Nepali Army and Armed Police Force.
- Nepal is monitoring a barrier lake on the Chinese side of the border, while the government, India and the United States have announced relief and assistance measures.
