7,992 Police Deployed After Devastating Bhotekoshi Floods

Following the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River, Nepal Police has stepped up rescue, security and relief operations across the affected areas, deploying 7,992 personnel as of Tuesday. The force has mobilized teams from various provinces and specialized units to respond to the disaster and prevent further risks. Among those deployed are 1,602 personnel from Police Headquarters, 2,182 from Bagmati Province, 1,309 from Gandaki Province, 640 from Lumbini Province and 754 from the Kathmandu Valley Police Office. Additional personnel have been mobilized from the Nepal Police Hospital, National Police Academy, Police School and other units. To strengthen coordination, an Emergency Coordination Center has been established at Police Headquarters, along with a Disaster Rescue and Coordination Information Management Center operating round the clock under the leadership of a Deputy Inspector General (DIG). Special focal desks have also been set up at major hospitals in Kathmandu and Tribhuvan International Airport to coordinate injured victims, deceased persons and their families. Police have deployed 12 drones across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, five trained search-and-rescue dogs and seven satellite phones in areas where communication services have been disrupted. Forensic experts and Scene of Crime Officers have also been mobilized for investigations and identification of bodies, while specialist doctors from the Nepal Police Hospital are providing emergency medical support. Meanwhile, police have intensified action against theft, looting and fraud taking advantage of the disaster. Two people were arrested in Chitwan after allegedly removing gold ornaments from the body of a woman swept away by the Narayani River, while 29 people were detained in Dhading over alleged cash theft from a bank safe washed away by the flood. Police recovered Rs. 92.68 lakh from those detained. Another person was arrested in Ramechhap for allegedly creating fake social media posts in the names of flood victims to collect money. Police have also recovered additional safes from riverbanks in Dhading, including one found buried under sand and mud in Baireni Bazaar. As floodwaters continue downstream, security has been further strengthened along the Narayani River, with 757 police personnel deployed around the river in Chitwan alone. Nepal Police has urged residents in affected areas to remain alert, stay calm and follow necessary safety precautions as rescue, relief and monitoring operations continue.