KATHMANDU, OCT 5 – Nepal has officially concluded the search and rescue operation that began after the devastating flash floods on August 26, which claimed at least 1,455 lives. Officials said the government will now shift its focus to rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The decision was taken during the 21st meeting of the National Council of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah at the Singha Durbar Secretariat. The council voted to wind up the 40‑day search and rescue effort, retaining only essential activities.
The meeting instructed relevant agencies to expedite rehabilitation and reconstruction works in the Bhotekoshi‑Trishuli flood‑affected areas. The move was based on recommendations from the District Security Committee, District Disaster Management Committees, the NDRRMA Executive Committee, and findings from field inspections.
According to the NDRRMA, the floods resulted in 1,455 deaths, left 5,285 people missing and saw 13,795 individuals rescued during the crisis.
