Nepal Faces Long Recovery as Floodwaters Recede, Thousands Still Missing

A month after devastating floods swept through parts of Nepal, thousands remain displaced, and rescue efforts continue for those still missing, many of whom are believed to be trapped in hydropower project tunnels. The disaster has left the government facing a protracted and costly recovery, with families confronting the loss of loved ones, homes, and livelihoods.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah used his address to the U.N. General Assembly to highlight the flooding as a stark warning about the growing climate risks facing the Himalayan region. "The disaster was not just a local tragedy, but a warning to the world," Shah stated, urging global leaders to heed the message. He also called for increased international support for Nepal's recovery and enhanced regional cooperation to prepare for climate-related disasters, emphasizing that "Climate change does not recognize borders. Glaciers and floods do not travel with stamps and passports."

According to Nepal's disaster management agency, 1,453 bodies have been recovered, and 5,644 people remain missing. Of the recovered bodies, only 112 have been identified and handed over to relatives, while 1,333 are temporarily buried pending identification. In neighboring China, 261 foreign nationals were reported among the missing.

The Nepal Police Hospital in Kathmandu has set up tents where relatives can provide DNA samples to aid in the identification of the deceased. International experts from India, China, the United States, Singapore, and South Korea are assisting Nepali authorities with the DNA matching process.

Many families are struggling with grief and the inability to properly identify and bury their loved ones. Rabi Kumar Thapa Magar, who lost his wife, brother, sister-in-law, and mother, recounted identifying his wife from a photograph of the deceased, only for authorities to bury her body before the family could see it. The body was withheld pending DNA confirmation, a process expected to take at least a month, leading the family to perform symbolic final rites using an effigy.

Pasang Maya Tamang, who lost her young son, described vivid dreams of him pleading for help. Her son was swept away while going to school with a neighbor when the floodwaters hit. His body was recovered three days later in a southern district, but she was unable to travel to see him. Some children's bodies were later found still wearing their school ties, a grim reminder of the flood's timing, which coincided with school arrival times.

The Nepal government estimates the reconstruction and recovery efforts will cost approximately $4.77 billion. The floods have affected nearly 33,000 people, with about 7,500 homes damaged or destroyed.

Infrastructure repair is a primary focus, with efforts concentrated on restoring roads and bridges, particularly in remote areas where damaged infrastructure has hindered aid delivery. Engineers and the Nepali army have been working since the second day after the floods to reopen routes. The construction of new bridges is underway to improve access to the most affected regions and facilitate the transportation of relief supplies. Engineers anticipate that the coming days will remain challenging due to expected inclement weather, but relief teams are preparing for these conditions.