Kathmandu. Nepal observed national mourning on Monday, the 13th day after the devastating flash floods in Rasuwa, paying tribute to more than 1,340 people who lost their lives in the country's worst natural disaster in recent years. On August 26, flash floods caused massive devastation following rock slides and avalanches in the high Himalayan region in Rasuwa and surrounding districts bordering China.
5 thousand people still missing
The disaster resulted in massive loss of life and property and extensive damage to infrastructure in northern and central Nepal. Nearly 5,000 people are still missing, including 589 foreign nationals.
National mourning day on Monday
The government had declared September 7 as a national mourning day to pay tribute to the people affected by the floods in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Bhotekoshi and other areas along the Trishuli river system. This mourning day is being celebrated on the 13th day of the disaster. In Hindu tradition, the 13th day after a person's death is considered an important day of the mourning period. On this day, religious rituals are performed for the peace of the souls of the dead and is considered to mark the formal end of the mourning period.
The national flag will remain at half mast
“The national flag will be flown at half mast in government offices across the country and at Nepali diplomatic missions abroad,” the Home Ministry said in a statement. The devastating floods claimed a large number of lives and caused massive damage to homes, roads, bridges, hydropower projects, government offices and other critical infrastructure. Search and rescue operations are still going on in the most affected areas.
32,000 families displaced
Search operations are also being conducted in the tunnels of hydroelectric projects. Specially trained international rescue teams along with security forces are working to locate the missing and recover bodies. At least 32,000 families have been displaced due to this disaster. About 7,500 houses have been completely destroyed while people's livelihoods and essential infrastructure in central Nepal have also been seriously affected.
Tuesday will be a public holiday
Meanwhile, the government has declared Tuesday i.e. September 8 as a public holiday on the occasion of 'Jen-Ji Martyrdom Day'. Last year, on this day, protests started under the leadership of 'Zen-G' in Kathmandu. The protesters were protesting against the government's ban on social media platforms, alleged corruption and the alleged lavish lifestyle of children of influential politicians and officials.
The demonstration turned violent after security forces opened fire near the Parliament House. In this, 72 people including children were killed and the then Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli ultimately had to resign.
Following these developments, Parliament was dissolved and the government led by CPN-UML (Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist) and Nepali Congress fell. After this, an interim government was formed and new parliamentary elections were held on March 5 this year. In these elections, Rabi Lamichhane-led and Gen-Z supported Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) got almost two-thirds majority and former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah became the Prime Minister.