Nepal must rebuild thousands of homes, no let up in search for missing

KATHMANDU, September 3 - Nepal faces the daunting task of rebuilding approximately 20,000 homes devastated by a catastrophic glacier collapse on August 26, according to officials. The disaster, which wreaked havoc on Nepal's border region with China, has left thousands missing and displaced.

Initial estimates suggest that 7,500 houses have been entirely destroyed by the flood of ice, rock, and mud. Even those standing houses are deemed uninhabitable due to the debris and mud. Authorities emphasize that the rebuilding should not occur in the same locations, as this would leave residents vulnerable to future disasters.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah stated that the government is prioritizing rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts while continuing the search for survivors trapped in tunnels linked to hydropower projects. Rescue teams, including those from India, South Korea, and China, are diligently searching the tunnels, with the operation continuing until all possibilities for survivors have been exhausted.

The search-and-rescue operation's success hinges on finding any survivors, with the team prepared to recover bodies if necessary. Children, who have lost everything, including citizenship IDs and passports, urgently require safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene support. UNICEF estimates that over 22,000 children need these essential services.

Despite the challenges, educators are working to resume classes in makeshift schools or relocated facilities. Shanti Sunar, a survivor who lost her home and shop, hopes her community will be relocated to a safer area. Nepal plans to construct an early-warning system for landslides, incorporating seismic sensors, cameras, and a satellite link to prevent future catastrophes.