Nepal ends search and rescue after August flood that killed at least 1,455

Mixed · 2Nepal has ended the search and rescue operation for those still missing after the August flood, which killed at least 1,455 people, officials said on Monday 5 October. 1 2 Mixed · 2The flood began on 26 August at Nepal's border with China's Tibet region. At least 5,285 people were still missing and another 13,795 were rescued. 1 2 Centre · 1The Times of India says Nepal suspended all non-essential search and rescue operations 40 days after the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods, in a decision taken at a meeting of the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah. 3

Centre · 1According to the Times of India, the council recommended that the finance ministry approve Nepalese Rs 559 billion for 504 reconstruction and rehabilitation programmes, with the disaster authority seeking more funds for projects not yet costed. 3 Centre · 1Nepal's tourism department data cited by the Times of India show 606 foreign tourists from 36 countries missing, the largest groups being 189 Indians, 65 Americans, 55 Malaysians, 54 Ukrainians and 37 Chinese, along with 188 Nepalese tourists. Indian state figures put 85 missing from Tamil Nadu and 37 from West Bengal. 3 Mixed · 2Phanindra Paudel, chief of the National Emergency Operation Centre, said: "We are moving from the search and rescue phase to the search and rehabilitation phase." 1 2

Mixed · 2Authorities are considering how to legally declare the missing dead, so that families can complete insurance, banking and other legal formalities. Paudel said: "We are initiating due processes to complete required legal formalities." 1 2 Mixed · 2Dharam Raj Uprety, chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, said authorities would no longer actively search for bodies. They would recover any remains, property or other valuables found during rehabilitation, and emergency rescues would still be carried out if needed. 1 2 Mixed · 2The flood also destroyed 12 hydroelectric projects, roads, bridges, farms and settlements. 1 2

Mixed · 2Authorities have said they need nearly $5 billion for early recovery and rehabilitation of the thousands displaced, according to Reuters copy carried by Arab News. ABC News (Australia) gives the figure as nearly $7 billion. 1 2 Left · 1Nepal will also begin an effort to drain four glacial lakes, Thulagi, Lower Barun, Lumding Tsho and Hongu II, to reduce flood risk, according to ABC News. The lakes lie between 4,050 and 5,483 metres. 2 Left · 1Sanjeeb Baral, executive director of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, said draining through gated structures will start after a detailed study and could take up to six years. The project includes sensors, a flood forecasting and warning system and community preparedness. Expert Subash Tuladhar said workers face health risks from prolonged high-altitude work and the danger of sudden flooding. 2