Nepal has concluded its search-and-rescue operation after the major flood that struck on 26 August on the border with China’s Tibet, killing at least 1,455 people.
This is reported by Reuters.
After the flood, at least 5,285 people remain missing. Rescuers managed to evacuate 13,795 people.
“We are moving from the search-and-rescue phase to the search-and-recovery phase,” said Phanindra Paudel, head of the National Emergency Operations Centre.
He said the authorities are considering a procedure to legally recognise missing persons as deceased. This would allow their families to complete insurance, banking and other legal formalities.
Dharam Raj Upreti, head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, noted that the active search for bodies will be halted. During recovery work, any remains, property and other valuables that are found will continue to be retrieved. Emergency rescue operations will also be carried out if needed.
The flood destroyed 12 hydropower plants, roads, bridges, farmland and settlements.
According to government estimates, Nepal needs almost $5bn for urgent recovery and to assist thousands of people who were forced to leave their homes because of the disaster.
- Following the major floods and landslides that occurred on 26 August in northern Nepal and Tibet, the fate of 56 Ukrainian citizens remains unknown. There is currently no information about any confirmed Ukrainian fatalities or injuries.