NUWAKOT, Nepal: A devastating flood triggered by the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa has caused widespread loss of life and property across several districts.

Among the affected families is that of Janak Prasad Bhattarai in Nuwakot, whose house and farmland were completely destroyed by the flood. His son, Jasan Bhattarai, who is currently abroad, has appealed for government support for the family’s relief and rehabilitation.

The destruction has left the family without a home and a major source of livelihood, highlighting the challenges faced by residents whose properties and agricultural land were swept away by the disaster.

Massive Human Loss, Thousands Still Missing

According to figures available as of 5 a.m. Monday, a total of 1,457 bodies had been recovered from flood-affected areas.

Of the recovered bodies, 236 were found in Rasuwa, 205 in Nuwakot, 73 in Dhading, 369 in Chitwan, 80 in Gorkha, 38 in Tanahun, 232 in Nawalparasi East and 222 in Nawalparasi West. Two additional deaths were reported in Kathmandu during treatment.

Authorities have been collecting DNA samples from recovered bodies and their relatives to facilitate identification. So far, DNA samples have reportedly been collected from 1,336 deceased persons and 2,077 relatives, bringing the total to 3,413 samples.

Details of 1,430 unidentified bodies have also been uploaded to the Nepal Police website to assist in the identification process.

A total of 7,975 police personnel have been deployed for search and rescue, relief distribution and body management in the affected areas.

The search for 4,718 people reported missing is still underway. Meanwhile, 1,226 people are being accommodated at holding centres in different districts.

Rehabilitation Becomes a Major Challenge

As emergency response efforts continue, the focus is increasingly turning toward rehabilitation and reconstruction.

For households that have lost both homes and agricultural land, immediate relief may not be enough. Safe housing, livelihood recovery and long-term financial support will be essential to help affected communities rebuild.

Authorities will need to conduct detailed assessments of the damage and provide targeted assistance to families whose homes, farmland and other sources of income have been destroyed.

The disaster has underscored the urgent need for coordinated government support to ensure that affected families can recover not only from the immediate impact of the floods but also from the long-term economic consequences.