The death toll in the flood disaster in Nepal increased to 1380, search and rescue efforts continue

Search and rescue efforts continue after the major flood and landslide disaster that occurred in Nepal on August 26.

The huge mass of mud and rocks that drifted into the river as a result of the breakage of a glacier on the Nepal-China border in the Himalayas destroyed many towns and villages. Roads and highways were buried under meters of mud and debris.

While at least 1,380 people lost their lives in the disaster, more than 5,500 people were reported missing.

In Nepal, where the majority are Hindu, the last day of the traditional 13-day mourning period for those who lost their lives has entered.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that the flags in public institutions in the country and Nepal's diplomatic missions abroad will be flown at half-mast in memory of those who lost their lives.

In Hindu belief, the 13th day after death is considered the last day of the mourning period and various religious rituals and food offerings are performed.

4 PEOPLE WERE REMOVED ALIVE FROM THE WRAPPLE

Although days have passed since the disaster, search and rescue teams managed to save 4 people alive in recent days.

Among those rescued are a Chinese citizen who was rescued from a tunnel on Saturday and two hydroelectric power plant workers who were rescued from another tunnel on Friday.

A Nepali woman was rescued alive from her house, which was under rubble, on Saturday.

The Nepal army announced that search and rescue efforts were concentrated especially around hydroelectric power plants in the region.

Authorities evaluate that there may still be survivors in the tunnels connected to the facilities.

Previously, two hydropower workers were rescued alive from a tunnel connected to the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydroelectric Power Plant, 9 days after the disaster.

SEARCH CONTINUES ON THE CHINA SIDE

The disaster also affected China's Tibet region. Chinese authorities announced that the dead bodies of 12 more people were found during the search efforts.

It was reported that hundreds of people are still missing on the Chinese side and teams are continuing their work in the debris fields.

Due to the ongoing search and rescue efforts, the Nepalese government decided not to hold an official ceremony with wide participation for the last day of mourning.

National Emergency Operations Center officials stated that the priority is still on search and rescue efforts in the affected areas.

It was reported that Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel will visit the disaster areas and inspect the damage on site.

923 PRISONERS WERE SAVED AT THE LAST MINUTE

During the disaster, a major disaster was prevented in a prison in the Nuwakot region.

According to Prime Minister Balendra Shah's statement, security forces transferred 923 prisoners to a building at a higher point before the flood waters reached the prison.

It was reported that 50 prisoners who escaped by climbing over walls and doors during the flood were recaptured a short time later.