Subscription Form

Kathmandu: Nepal observed a national day of mourning on yesterday for those killed in the devastating floods that struck the country and neighboring Tibet on August 26.

Government offices lowered their national flags to half mast as families across the country marked the 13th day since the disaster, which has claimed more than 1,300 lives and left around 5,000 people unaccounted for.

The 13th day carries particular significance in predominantly Nepal, where families traditionally observe a period of mourning before holding final rituals for those who have died.

For some families whose relatives remain missing, symbolic funeral ceremonies have been conducted without the recovery of their loved ones’ bodies.

At the same time, search and rescue operations remain underway in several areas affected by the floods.

A major focus of the rescue effort is the country’s hydropower sector, where around 900 workers are reported missing across 12 projects. Authorities believe hundreds could still be trapped inside tunnels buried or damaged by flood debris.

Specialist rescue teams from India, China, South Korea and the United States have joined the search, working through damaged structures, debris and underground tunnels.

There have also been signs of hope in recent days. Two Nepalese workers were rescued from a hydropower facility on Friday, while a Chinese worker was pulled to safety from another site on Saturday.

However, relatives of missing workers have criticized the pace of the rescue operation. In Kathmandu, families gathered near government offices and called for authorities to intensify efforts to locate those still missing.

The flooding has caused extensive destruction to homes, infrastructure and hydropower facilities, while rescue teams continue efforts to reach people who may still be trapped in affected areas.