Nepal Concludes Flood Search Operations, Turns To Rehabilitation And Reconstruction

Nepal on Monday concluded the 40-day search and rescue operation launched following the devastating August 26 flash floods that killed at least 1,455 people. The government has now shifted its focus towards rehabilitation and reconstruction in areas affected by the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods and other monsoon-related disasters. The decision was taken at the 21st meeting of the National Council of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah at the Singha Durbar Secretariat in Kathmandu, decided to wind up the search and rescue operation except for essential activities. The decision followed recommendations from district security and disaster management committees, the NDRRMA Executive Committee and findings from field inspections. Authorities were directed to accelerate rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the worst-affected areas.

According to the NDRRMA, the disaster has so far claimed 1,455 lives, while 5,285 people remain missing and 13,795 have been rescued. The council recommended that the Ministry of Finance approve NPR 559.17 billion for 504 reconstruction and rehabilitation plans submitted by various ministries and government agencies. Additional funding will be considered for projects whose costs have not yet been finalised or which are awaiting prioritisation.

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Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Shah said disaster management efforts had been carried out through coordination among federal, provincial and local governments. He said the same coordination would guide the next phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction. Opposition leaders, the parliamentary party leader of the Nepali Congress and chief ministers from Bagmati, Gandaki, Madhes and Koshi provinces also expressed support for the recovery efforts.

The council paid tribute to those who lost their lives and expressed condolences to their families, while thanking security personnel, elected representatives, civil servants, private organisations, volunteers and journalists involved in rescue and relief operations. It also acknowledged assistance from donor countries and development partners. Meanwhile, temporary accommodation has been arranged for 1,226 affected people at different holding centres.

The August 26 flash floods originated near the Nepal-Tibet border and caused widespread destruction across northern and central Nepal. Floodwaters from the Bhotekoshi River swept away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges and damaged hydropower projects downstream. The disaster also killed 43 people in Tibet, while more than 500 people there remained unaccounted for, according to Chinese media.

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