AI Brief
- Nepal has ended search and rescue operations after the August flood that killed at least 1,455 people and left 5,285 missing.
- Authorities are moving to the rehabilitation phase and considering legal steps to declare missing persons dead for formalities.
- The flood destroyed infrastructure and authorities estimate nearly US$5 billion is needed for recovery and rehabilitation of displaced people.
KATHMANDU: Nepal has ended the search and rescue operation for those still missing after the devastating flood in August that killed at least 1,455 people, officials said on Monday.
At least 5,285 people were still missing after the August 26 flood originating at Nepal’s border with China's Tibet region. Another 13,795 people were rescued.
“We are moving from the search and rescue phase to the search and rehabilitation phase,” Phanindra Paudel, chief of the National Emergency Operation Centre, told Reuters.
He said authorities were considering how to legally declare the missing persons dead to allow their families or relatives to complete insurance, banking and other legal formalities.
“We are initiating due processes to complete required legal formalities,” Paudel said.
Dharam Raj Uprety, chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, said authorities would no longer actively search for bodies but would recover any remains, property or other valuables found during the rehabilitation process. Uprety said emergency rescues would still be carried out if needed.
The flood also destroyed 12 hydroelectric projects, roads, bridges, farms and settlements.
Authorities have said they need nearly US$5 billion for the early recovery and rehabilitation of the thousands of people displaced by the flood.
Quick Facts – Powered by AI
- Q: How many people were killed and reported missing after the August flood in Nepal?
A: At least 1,455 people were killed and 5,285 were reported missing after the August 26 flood in Nepal. - Q: What actions are Nepalese authorities taking following the end of the search and rescue operation?
A: Authorities are moving from the search and rescue phase to the search and rehabilitation phase, and are initiating legal processes to declare missing persons dead for insurance, banking, and other legal formalities. - Q: What is the estimated financial requirement for Nepal's recovery and rehabilitation after the flood?
A: Authorities have stated that nearly US$5 billion is needed for early recovery and rehabilitation of those displaced by the flood. - Q: What infrastructure was destroyed by the flood in Nepal?
A: The flood destroyed 12 hydroelectric projects, roads, bridges, farms, and settlements. - Q: Will authorities continue to search for bodies or conduct emergency rescues after ending the main operation?
A: Authorities will no longer actively search for bodies but will recover any remains or valuables found during rehabilitation, and emergency rescues will still be carried out if needed.
