Nepal MPs Seek National Mourning Over Rasuwa Flood

Members of Nepal’s National Assembly have urged the government to declare August 26 a national day of mourning over the devastating Bhote Koshi River flood in Rasuwa.

Speaking during Tuesday’s zero hour, Nepali Congress MP Yubaraj Sharma called for national mourning, while NCP MP Madan Kumari Shah (Garima) urged the government to lower the national flag to half-mast. MPs stressed that priority should be given to search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation.

The National Assembly unanimously passed a special proposal calling for free treatment of the injured, proper management of recovered bodies and coordinated reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. The proposal also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and appealed for support from local communities, civil society and the international community.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 987 bodies had been recovered by Tuesday morning, while 3,916 people remained missing. A total of 279 people were injured and 11,814 rescued. Around 20,819 security personnel have been deployed for rescue and relief operations.

National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal also urged lawmakers to contribute 15 days’ salary to the disaster relief fund.