The Nature of Nature in Nepal: Floods have destroyed thousands of homes. 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries missing

Kathmandu. The floods in Nepal have caused widespread devastation. Roads, bridges, culverts and houses have been damaged in the floods. Relief and rescue operations are underway on a war footing with thousands of people rendered homeless. Nepal is getting help from many countries including India, China and international organizations in this difficult time.

About 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries are still missing.

According to Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 323 foreign nationals have been evacuated from the flood-affected areas, while around 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries are still missing as per available data.

A special emergency control room has been set up by the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with the families of the missing persons. Information related to foreign nationals is constantly being updated through diplomatic missions.

Expert teams from India and China are manning the front.

Specialist teams from India and China are also engaged in the rescue operation to rescue people stranded in Nepal.

11 experts from India and 9 from China are engaged in the operation to evacuate the people trapped in the tunnels in coordination with the Nepalese authorities. The Indian team is assisting in the tunnel rescue operation at Melung (Chilime) and Saphrubesi, while the Chinese team is assisting in the tunnel rescue operation at Upper Trishuli-3A. A team of experts from South Korea is also involved in the rescue operation.

Besides, a team of 18 forensic experts from India is in Nepal since August 29 for DNA analysis.

Many countries have offered assistance.

In the midst of this terrible tragedy in Nepal, many countries including India, China, Japan, America, UAE, South Korea have provided relief and rescue materials.

The relief materials include bridge units, generators, solar lamps, DNA testing kits, tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food items and medicines.

Aid is also pouring in from several other countries, including Myanmar, Qatar, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore.

International organizations such as the United Nations (UN), WHO, WFP and UNICEF are also supporting Nepal's relief and rescue efforts.

The biggest challenge now is to rebuild after the disaster.

The floods have not only affected lives but also caused massive damage to Nepal's infrastructure. Roads, bridges, culverts and houses have been damaged.

The Government of Nepal is currently conducting an initial assessment of the damage and needs. After this, a detailed assessment of the actual damage will be done through Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA).

The government fears that large-scale rehabilitation and reconstruction may require extensive assistance from the international community.

DNA samples are being collected to identify the bodies.

Identifying the dead amid the disaster also remains a major challenge. DNA samples of bodies whose immediate identification is not possible due to prolonged stay in water are being preserved.

In future, if required, these samples will be matched with the DNA records of the families to ascertain the identity of the deceased.

The Prime Minister himself is supervising the relief operations.

The Prime Minister of Nepal is constantly monitoring the relief, rescue and coordination operations. The government is working with various agencies, neighbouring countries and international organizations to provide relief to the affected people and intensify the search for the missing people.

Nepal is currently facing a major humanitarian crisis. In such a situation, the cooperation of many countries of the world, including India, is strengthening the hope of relief and reconstruction.