Nepal flood: How 97-year-old grandmother survived after being rescued in digger bucket

A remarkable 97-year-old grandmother, Gunmaya Bohra, survived Nepal’s devastating floods after being rescued in the bucket of a mechanical digger. Video footage of Ms Bohra, buried in mud and debris, has become an iconic image of the disaster. Four days after the catastrophe, her family located her at Kathmandu’s Bir Hospital, where she was recovering.

Although she endured serious injury, the elderly woman was too frail to speak for the first few days following her rescue. Her grandson, Rasik Bohra, expressed his emotional relief when images of his grandmother’s rescue began circulating on social media. While the image of her being carried to safety in the digger bucket provides a glimpse into the rescue, it does not capture the full extent of the tragedy.

Mr Bohra revealed that several family members and community members remain missing, possibly numbering over 50. The extent of the destruction and limited communication has made it challenging to determine the exact number of unaccounted individuals. After spending around eight hours submerged in mud, Ms Bohra managed to shake off her shackles, prompting rescuers to free her.

Her family transported her in the digger to Kathmandu, where she received medical treatment. Despite her advanced age and prolonged entrapment, she suffered no significant injuries. The government has agreed to cover her hospital expenses, and doctors are preparing to discharge her. While Ms Bohra’s rescue has provided a glimmer of hope, the family continues to search for their missing relatives.

The rescue has left the family feeling a mixture of relief and sorrow as they grapple with the aftermath of the floods. Mr Bohra emphasized the need for continued international support, urging the world to come together and aid Nepal in its time of crisis.