Time Period for Declaring Missing Disaster Victims Dead Shortened in Nepal
The legal waiting period for declaring people missing in disasters legally dead in Nepal has been reduced from 12 years to approximately 45 days.
The waiting period for legally declaring people missing after a disaster in Nepal has been significantly shortened following a legal regulation enacted in the wake of a massive flood disaster.
Change in Legal Timeframe
The president of Nepal approved a decision reducing the period for legally declaring people missing in disasters dead from 12 years to about 1.5 months. Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel stated after a cabinet meeting that this period has been lowered to approximately 45 days.
Dimensions of the Flood Disaster
Triggered by a mountain and glacier collapse on the China-Nepal border, the disaster caused tsunami-like floodwaters to destroy bridges, roads, and dams. While more than 1,400 people lost their lives in the disaster, over 5,000 people, including foreign nationals, are still unaccounted for.
Difficulties Faced by Families
So far, only 112 bodies have been identified and handed over to their families. Relatives of the missing cannot access compensation or resolve property issues because they cannot obtain death certificates.