Nepal marks national mourning day after deadly flood

KATHMANDU — Nepalis paid their respects on Monday, the traditional Hindu last day of mourning, following the devastating flood that claimed hundreds of lives along the nation's border with China. Despite the somber occasion, government agencies continued search efforts, with four miraculous rescues occurring in recent days. Nationwide, government offices and missions overseas would fly the national flag at half-mast to honor the 13th day after death, marking the final stage of the mourning ritual.

This day is observed with rituals and food offerings by the faithful, who commemorate it with offerings to the departed souls. A massive wall of mud and rock, caused by a glacier breaking off, plunged into a river on the Himalayan border between Nepal and China's Tibet on August 26. The catastrophic event destroyed towns and villages, burying roads and highways under piles of mud and debris.

At least 1,380 people lost their lives, while over 5,500 remain missing. In recent days, search teams have managed to rescue four individuals, including a Chinese citizen pulled from a tunnel on Saturday. The other rescues involved two hydroelectric workers.