Nepal resumes flood rescue as thousands remain missing, finance minister seeks $4-5 billion for rebuilding

Nepal has resumed its search and rescue efforts following a flood that killed hundreds and left thousands missing. Nearly 3,000 people are currently missing, with about 2,426 in Nepal and 554 in Tibet's Gyirong County, including at least 540 foreign nationals. The disaster, triggered by a glacier collapse, caused widespread destruction, sweeping away buildings, bridges, and power stations in Nepal and China's Tibet.

The flood prompted Nepal to seek $4-5 billion for rebuilding efforts. Nepal's Finance Minister estimated the cost of rebuilding to be between $4 billion and $5 billion, but the exact amount is still being assessed. Authorities are collecting DNA samples to aid in identification, particularly for decomposed bodies. In Kathmandu, families of missing people gathered at Maharajgunj Medical Campus to identify their loved ones from photographs displayed on gates and walls.

Survivors like Saraswati Ghale, 43, still face the challenge of rebuilding their lives after their homes were destroyed in the flood. Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal requested specialized assistance to deal with tunnel rescue, transport restoration, body identification, and storage, highlighting the need for foreign aid in areas where Nepal lacks expertise.