‘Miracle’ rescue renews hope as Nepal flood death toll crosses 1,200

Kathmandu, September 5 — The rescue of two hydropower workers, described as a "miracle," has reignited hope amid Nepal's devastating flood disaster. The death toll from the catastrophe has surpassed 1,200, with 1,294 bodies recovered thus far according to the disaster agency, and 5,053 people still unaccounted for. In China, 31 fatalities have been reported and 531 remain missing, bringing the total death count to 1,325 with 5,584 people still missing.

Nepal Army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet informed AFP that rescue operations continue at the Trishuli 3A tunnel, where the two men were saved on Friday, along with other sites. Over 12 hydropower projects have been destroyed by the floods. The government had previously estimated that more than 100 workers could still be alive in the tunnels.

Nepali soldiers rescued the pair, who are in stable condition after being trapped for nine days. International experts from India, China, Australia, and South Korea have joined the search efforts. As morgues become overwhelmed, 1,030 bodies have been buried in mass graves, with DNA samples taken for future identification by relatives.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has pledged accommodation for the thousands of displaced individuals living in temporary relief camps, expressing empathy for their living conditions and emphasizing the importance of rebuilding their future.