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

Nepal must rebuild around 20,000 homes following devastation from a glacier collapse in August. The disaster wiped out settlements and villages along Nepal's border with China, leaving few houses standing. Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Dharma Raj Upreti, said 7,500 houses were completely destroyed, with authorities estimating another 20,000 would need to be rebuilt in safer locations.

At least 1,252 people were killed, with over 4,200 still missing. China reported 21 fatalities and 541 missing. Prime Minister Balendra Shah declared September 7 as a day of national mourning. More than 9,300 Nepali army troops are assisting in the search and rescue efforts, including 900 survivors believed trapped in tunnels related to hydropower projects.

Experts from India, South Korea, and China are aiding the rescue operation. Australia pledged additional support and shared telecommunications data with Nepali authorities. China sent a third aid batch, including tents, blankets, medical suits, and satellite communication equipment. Climate change is cited as the cause of the disaster, with Prime Minister Shah stating that Nepal suffers disproportionately despite minimal global emissions.

UNICEF reported that 22,000 children urgently need safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene support. Teachers are seeking safe buildings for resuming classes, as many were washed away. Shanti Sunar, who lost her house and shop, said the government must relocate her family to a safer location.