Key Takeaways:

• National mourning declared Sept 7; flags at half-mast nationwide and abroad
• 1,342 bodies recovered, 3,992 people still unaccounted for
• DNA samples collected from 2,376 people to aid identification
• 9,159 rescued so far, with 3,190 staying at holding centres
• Nepal Police, Army, APF continue search, rescue and relief operations

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 7 Nepal is observing a day of national mourning today in memory of those killed in the devastating Bhotekoshi River floods in Rasuwa on August 26. The government has ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast at government offices across the country and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad as a mark of respect for the victims. The Cabinet decided on September 3 to observe September 7 as a day of national mourning following the catastrophic floods and landslides that caused widespread loss of lives and property in the Bhotekoshi basin and northern districts. According to Nepal Police, 1,342 bodies had been recovered and 3,992 people remained unaccounted for as of Sunday evening. Of the recovered bodies, 530 were men, 328 women and 495 were yet to be identified due to their condition. Among those unaccounted for, 3,394 were Nepali nationals (2,827 men and 567 women), while 506 were foreign nationals (267 men and 239 women). Search, rescue, relief and identification efforts continue in the affected areas. Police said 1,444 recovered bodies had been buried, while DNA testing has been prioritised to identify the deceased and missing persons. Police have collected DNA samples from 2,376 people, including 1,181 deceased persons and 1,195 relatives of victims. The Nepal Police, Nepali Army, Armed Police Force and other government agencies remain engaged in search and rescue operations, identification of victims and management of recovered bodies. Police spokesperson Abhi Narayan Kafle said 9,159 people had so far been rescued, with 3,190 currently staying at a holding centre.