Mourning Declared for Victims of Deadly Floods in Nepal
Following a disaster that caused over a thousand deaths in Nepal and Tibet, official mourning has been declared as search operations for thousands of missing people and protests continue.
Nepal declared a national mourning day following the devastating floods on August 26, which resulted in the loss of more than 1,300 lives across Nepal and Tibet.
Day of Mourning and Traditional Rituals
Flags at government buildings in Nepal were flown at half-staff, and affected families completed traditional mourning rituals. On the final day of the 13-day mourning period according to Hindu belief, prayers were offered for the souls of those who lost their lives.
Symbolic Funerals for the Missing
While over a thousand people lost their lives in the disaster, approximately 5,000 people are still being searched for as missing. Some families whose loved ones could not be reached held symbolic funeral ceremonies to find spiritual peace.
Protests in Front of the Government Building
Relatives of the missing, arguing that search and rescue efforts were insufficient, gathered in front of the offices of the prime minister and critical ministries in the capital, Kathmandu. The protesters demanded that authorities accelerate the efforts.
Searches at Hydroelectric Power Plants
Rescue efforts were intensified particularly in the region housing 12 hydroelectric projects. It is estimated that around 900 workers are missing and about 500 of them are trapped in tunnels.
International Search and Rescue Support
Expert teams from India, China, South Korea, and the United States are continuing search operations under the rubble and in tunnels. As part of the efforts, some workers were rescued alive in recent days.