The death toll from the devastating landslides and floods that struck Nepal on August 26, near the border with China, has risen to at least 1,287, according to a new provisional tally released by the country’s Disaster Management Authority.
The number of people reported missing has risen sharply to 5,083, including 583 foreign nationals.
Two workers rescued from tunnel
Rescue teams on Friday managed to pull two workers alive from the Trishuli-3 underground tunnel in northern Nepal.
A lawmaker from the ruling coalition said there could be more survivors trapped inside the tunnel.
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Nepalese authorities estimated that around 100 workers could have been trapped inside Trishuli-3.
Until Friday, search and rescue teams had recovered only bodies from tunnels filled with water and mud. Crews have faced major difficulties clearing access, using explosives and heavy machinery in several locations.
International teams join rescue efforts
Dozens of rescue workers, assisted by specialists sent by authorities in India, China and South Korea, continue to search tunnels where hundreds of workers are believed to have been trapped following the flooding.
The searches are taking place at several locations where hydroelectric power stations or dams were operating or under construction.
Australian disaster management specialists have also travelled to Nepal to support the search for survivors, after the Australian Government expressed “serious concerns” over the fate of 36 missing Australian nationals.
A 15-member Australian Disaster Response Team, made up mainly of drone pilots from state emergency services, was deployed following a request from the Nepalese Government.
Seven disaster victim identification specialists from the Australian Federal Police are also expected to arrive on Saturday.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said 19 Australians are already in Nepal, including consular officials, humanitarian police and defence and police personnel.
Chances of finding survivors declining
Nepal’s Foreign Minister said last week that the country needed international assistance in specialised and technical areas.
Local authorities have warned that the chances of finding survivors are diminishing, but rescue efforts continue along the border with China.
Some relatives of missing Australians have also travelled to Nepal to conduct their own searches, according to Australian media reports.
Damage estimated at $2.56 billion
The devastating floods destroyed property, homes and infrastructure worth at least $2.56 billion, the head of Nepal’s disaster authority told Reuters on Friday.
The estimated cost of the initial recovery phase, including rebuilding roads and temporary shelters, providing drinking water and restoring electricity, is expected to reach around $52.6 million.
Dharma Raj Upreti, head of Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, said the figures were preliminary and had been calculated in coordination with various government agencies and departments.
A detailed assessment will be carried out soon, he added.
Nepal is expected to need around 20,000 homes rebuilt in flood-affected areas. At least 7,500 homes have already been destroyed.
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