Sourav Ganguly Expresses Condolences Amidst Nepal's Devastating Floods
Tragic Impact of Floods in Nepal
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 3: Former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly has shared his sorrow regarding the tragic loss of life and widespread destruction caused by recent flash floods in Nepal.
As per the latest updates from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the death toll has tragically reached 1,252, with approximately 4,216 individuals still unaccounted for. These figures reflect the extensive devastation across multiple districts. Chitwan has reported the highest number of recovered bodies at 355, followed by Nawalparasi East with 218, Nawalparasi West with 208, Nuwakot with 177, and Rasuwa with 127.
In a statement to the media, Ganguly remarked, "This is heartbreaking. I sincerely hope for their recovery. Natural disasters of this magnitude are incredibly challenging. They have claimed numerous lives and disrupted the fabric of the nation. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, and I wish for a swift recovery."
The NDRRMA has also confirmed that bodies have been retrieved from Gorkha, Dhading, and Tanahun. However, only 95 of these have been identified and returned to their families, underscoring the ongoing difficulties in identifying victims.
The authority reported that around 11,993 individuals have been rescued, with 5,135 injured receiving medical care. Among these, 301 were treated in hospitals, while the Nepali Army and Armed Police Force provided assistance to 3,206 and 1,628 individuals, respectively.
The list of missing persons includes various categories, with about 900 individuals associated with hydroelectric projects still unaccounted for. Additionally, around 583 foreign nationals and 164 Nepalis accompanying foreign tourists are also reported missing.
Search and rescue efforts are concentrated in areas impacted by landslides, floodwaters, and debris. Over 21,000 security personnel have been deployed for rescue operations, relief distribution, and related tasks. NDRRMA has stated that relief supplies, including food and essential items, are being delivered to affected regions via trucks, vehicles, and helicopters. Aerial operations have also facilitated the movement of supplies within Nuwakot and Rasuwa.
Currently, approximately 3,948 individuals are residing in holding centers, with 2,981 in Nuwakot, 320 in Rasuwa, 260 in Dhading, and 387 in Kathmandu.
The disaster has inflicted considerable damage on communication infrastructure, with NDRRMA reporting that 110 Nepal Telecom towers and 78 Ncell towers were affected, although most are now operational.
International aid continues to flow into Nepal, with the United States providing specialized disaster recovery supplies, while India has dispatched rescue teams, tunnel rescue equipment, and vital medicines.
India's fifth aircraft has delivered an 11-member rescue team along with 5.5 tonnes of medical supplies to Nepal. Additionally, a 19-member Indian forensic team is assisting Nepal Police with DNA analysis for victim identification.
The floods, caused by extreme weather conditions and Himalayan hazards, have wreaked havoc across northern and central Nepal, with rescue teams tirelessly working to locate survivors and recover bodies from impacted areas and hydropower facilities.