Nepal ends flood search, shifts to rehabilitation

Phanindra Paudel, chief of the National Emergency Operation Centre, stated that the focus is shifting from rescue to rehabilitation. Authorities are also working on the legal procedures to declare the missing persons deceased, which will enable their families to access insurance, banking, and other legal entitlements. Dharam Raj Uprety, chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, confirmed that while active body searches will cease, any remains or property discovered during rehabilitation efforts will be recovered. Emergency rescues will still be conducted if necessary.

The flood caused widespread destruction, impacting 12 hydroelectric projects, numerous roads, bridges, farms, and settlements. Officials estimate that approximately $5 billion will be required for the early recovery and rehabilitation of the thousands of people displaced by the disaster.