Nepal Observes National Mourning as Flood Death Toll Rises

Kathmandu, September 7 (Daily Kiran) : Nepal is observing a national day of mourning on Monday in honor of the victims of the devastating floods that struck the country. The national flag will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.

The decision to commemorate this day was made during a cabinet meeting on September 3, following the catastrophic flooding that occurred 13 days prior. Flags will be lowered not only at government offices across Nepal but also at Nepali embassies and diplomatic missions abroad.

According to Nepal Police, as of Sunday evening, the bodies of 1,353 flood victims have been recovered. Among the deceased are 530 men and 328 women, while 495 dismembered human remains have been found and remain unidentified. Authorities report that 3,992 individuals are still unaccounted for, including 595 foreign nationals.

So far, 1,044 of the recovered bodies have been safely buried, while efforts to identify and manage the remaining bodies are ongoing. Security agencies continue search and rescue operations for those still missing, particularly in hydroelectric projects near the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors.

The Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal (IPPAN) reported that as of Sunday evening, 919 workers from 11 hydroelectric projects were uncontactable. Some individuals have been rescued from these projects, including two Nepali citizens saved from the 60-MW Upper Trishuli 3A project on September 4, and a Chinese national rescued from the 216-MW Upper Trishuli-1 project on September 5.

In a heartfelt message, Prime Minister Balendra Shah reassured elderly flood victims that they are not alone and that the state and government stand firmly by their side. He expressed empathy for those who faced harrowing choices during the floods, stating that some elderly parents risked their lives to save their grandchildren, demonstrating extraordinary strength in dire circumstances.

“We will continue to support you,” the Prime Minister said in a social media message, emphasizing the government’s commitment to assist those affected by this tragedy.