Nepal has ended its active search and rescue operation for thousands of people still missing after a devastating flood in August killed at least 1,455 people, authorities said on Monday.
At least 5,285 people remained missing following the Aug 26 disaster, which originated near Nepal’s border with China’s Tibet region. Another 13,795 people were rescued.
“We are moving from the search and rescue phase to the search and rehabilitation phase,” Phanindra Paudel, chief of the National Emergency Operation Centre, told Reuters.
Authorities are now considering the legal process for declaring those still missing dead, allowing their families and relatives to complete insurance claims, banking procedures and other legal formalities.
“We are initiating due processes to complete required legal formalities,” Paudel said.
Dharam Raj Uprety, chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, said authorities would no longer conduct active searches for bodies.
However, any human remains, property or valuables discovered during rehabilitation work will still be recovered, while emergency rescue operations will continue if required.
The massive flood also destroyed 12 hydroelectric projects, along with roads, bridges, farms and entire settlements.
Nepalese authorities have estimated that nearly US$5 billion is needed for early recovery and rehabilitation efforts for thousands of people displaced by the disaster.
