Nepal ends search for thousands of flood victims, leaving some families angry and others relieved

KATHMANDU, Nepal — After weeks of catastrophic floods, Nepal's government has announced the end of search and rescue operations for the thousands of missing victims. The decision, made by the Prime Minister's office on Monday, has left some families feeling angry and others relieved. The office will now shift its focus to rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, particularly in remote areas where damaged infrastructure has hindered aid deliveries.

So far, rescuers have recovered the bodies of at least 1,455 people, but 5,285 remain missing, including a significant number of foreigners. The government predicts that the reconstruction and recovery process will cost $4.77 billion. Nearly 33,000 people have been affected, with around 7,500 homes damaged or destroyed. While there were brief moments of renewed hope with the rescue of two Nepalese workers from an underground tunnel at the Trishuli hydropower project on September 4 and two days later, the overall sentiment remains one of uncertainty and frustration for the families left waiting.