Kathmandu: The government has deployed 7,992 Nepal Police personnel across flood-affected areas following the devastating Bhote Koshi River flood to search for missing citizens, protect life and property, conduct rescue operations and manage relief efforts, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
So far, 919 bodies have been recovered and 4,451 people rescued, as authorities intensify search, rescue, relief and security operations across the affected areas.
Police teams from various provinces and units have been mobilized to address multiple challenges emerging in the affected areas and reduce potential disaster-related risks. Of the deployed personnel, 1,602 are from Police Headquarters, 2,182 from the Bagmati Province Police Office, 1,309 from Gandaki Province, 640 from Lumbini Province and 754 from the Kathmandu Valley Police Office.
Similarly, 397 personnel have been deployed from Police Hospital Maharajgunj, 450 from the National Police Academy (NPA) Maharajgunj, 356 from Police School and 222 from the Police Tactical Training Center Jargaha.
An Emergency Coordination Center has been established at Police Headquarters to ensure effective operational coordination in flood-affected areas. A Disaster Rescue and Coordination Information Management Center, operating 24 hours under the leadership of a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), has also been established to oversee disaster-related operations and data management.
Focal Desks Established at Hospitals and Airport
Nepal Police has established focal desks at hospitals and the airport to facilitate treatment of injured people and coordinate with families of deceased victims.
Special police teams led by Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) have been deployed at hospitals in Kathmandu and other locations where injured people are receiving treatment and bodies have been collected. Thirty personnel have been deployed at Bir Hospital, 13 at Civil Hospital and five at Kathmandu Medical College.
At Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, 62 police personnel have been deployed under the leadership of a DIG.
At Tribhuvan International Airport, a desk led by a Superintendent of Police (SP) and supported by eight personnel has been established to manage the bodies of domestic and foreign nationals and maintain records of injured people.
Drones, K-9 Dogs and Satellite Phones Deployed
Nepal Police is also using technology and specialized resources to intensify search and investigation operations.
A total of 12 drones have been deployed across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading to conduct surveillance and searches, particularly in remote areas where foot patrols are difficult.
Similarly, at least five trained search K-9 dogs and seven satellite phones have been deployed to support search operations and communication in areas where regular communication services have been disrupted.
A total of 67 personnel have been deployed for crime scene investigation and legal documentation, while 715 police personnel have been assigned across various districts for body identification and management.
Teams comprising scene-of-crime officers and specialized forensic experts have also been deployed to conduct scientific examinations, including DNA testing of recovered bodies.
A team of specialist doctors from the Nepal Police Hospital has additionally been deployed to provide immediate medical treatment to injured people in affected areas.
Police Arrest Suspects Over Theft, Looting and Fraud
Nepal Police has tightened security measures to prevent theft, looting, fraud and other criminal activities following the flood.
In Chitwan, police arrested 25-year-old Madan Gurung and 38-year-old Umesh Chaudhary, both from Madanpur, Chitwan, after a video showing the removal of gold earrings and jewelry from the body of a woman swept away by the Narayani River went viral on social media.
Police are conducting further investigation into the incident and said looting and other inhumane activities targeting disaster victims will not be tolerated.
In Dhading, police detained 29 locals accused of breaking open a bank cash safe swept away by the flood and found along the Trishuli River at Belkhu Khola, Galchhi-4, and misappropriating the cash. Police recovered more than Rs. 9.2 million from them.
Police also arrested 32-year-old Srijan Karki, a resident of Those Bazar, Gokulganga-2, Ramechhap, for allegedly attempting to collect money through Facebook by creating fake posts in the name of flood victims.
Meanwhile, a locked safe measuring 19 inches in length and 16 inches in width was discovered buried under sand and mud while police were clearing the road at Baireni Bazar, Galchhi-6. The safe has been secured at the Baireni Police Post.
Another intact safe was found along the Trishuli River at Parewatar, Malekhu, while efforts are underway to retrieve another safe spotted in the Malekhu Khola.
757 Police Personnel Deployed Around Narayani River
As floodwaters continue moving from the hills toward the Terai, Nepal Police has also intensified measures to mitigate potential risks.
A total of 757 police personnel have been deployed around the Narayani River in Chitwan alone.
Police are also working to clear physical obstructions and manage items recovered from flood-affected areas.
Nepal Police said it is continuing efforts to maintain citizen security, facilitate relief distribution and rescue victims.
It has urged residents in affected areas to remain calm and said various community awareness programs are also being conducted.
प्रतिक्रिया दिनुहोस्