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

KATHMANDU, Nepal — Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced on Monday that the government will halt search and rescue efforts for victims of the devastating floods that struck Nepal in August. The decision has left families of the missing both angry and relieved. Since the floods, at least 1,455 bodies have been recovered, but 5,285 people remain unaccounted for, including numerous foreigners.

Authorities estimate that the cost of rehabilitation and reconstruction will be $4.77 billion. Around 33,000 individuals have been impacted, with 7,500 homes destroyed or damaged. Prior to the government's announcement, there had been brief moments of hope when two Nepalese workers were rescued from an underground tunnel at the Trishuli hydropower project on September 4, and again two days later when a Chinese man was found at the same location.

However, the families' anger stems from their belief that the government should continue searching for their loved ones. Usha Khatri, whose husband is among those still missing, expressed her frustration, stating that she cannot comprehend how the government could abandon the search while still holding onto the hope that her husband might still be alive.