Nepal Ends Flood Search and Rescue, Shifts to Rehabilitation
Authorities transition from rescue operations to long-term recovery efforts after a devastating August flood.
Nepal has concluded its search and rescue operations for individuals missing in the severe flood that occurred in August, shifting its focus to rehabilitation and recovery efforts, officials announced Monday.
The flood, which originated at Nepal's border with China's Tibet region, resulted in at least 1,455 confirmed deaths. Additionally, 5,285 people remain missing, while 13,795 individuals were successfully 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 added that authorities are working on legal processes to officially declare missing persons deceased, which will enable their families to finalize insurance, banking, and other administrative matters.
Dharam Raj Uprety, head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, stated that while active searches for bodies will cease, any remains, property, or valuables discovered during the rehabilitation phase will be recovered. He assured that emergency rescues would still be conducted if necessary.
The August flood caused widespread destruction, impacting 12 hydroelectric projects, roads, bridges, agricultural land, and settlements. Authorities have indicated that an estimated $5 billion will be required for the early recovery and rehabilitation of the thousands displaced by the disaster.