Nepal Shortens Missing Person Process After Deadly Floods

Nepal has reduced the legal waiting period for declaring disaster victims dead from 12 years to 45 days, allowing families of thousands missing after the August floods to seek death certificates and pursue recovery claims, according to Nepal authorities. The change follows a Himalayan disaster that killed at least 1,400 people and left more than 5,000 missing.

The ordinance issued by President Ram Chandra Poudel took effect after a recommendation from Prime Minister Balendra Shah's cabinet, according to Times of India. It applies as families face delays accessing compensation, inheritance transfers and insurance-related procedures.

BBC reported that more than 5,000 missing people had remained legally unrecognized as dead, leaving relatives unable to complete administrative processes. The report highlighted families in areas such as Betrawati, where homes, roads and businesses were destroyed.

One survivor, Madan Lal Lawat, described the uncertainty after losing relatives in the flood while waiting for official confirmation.

"I don't know how to start over. Police say they're still searching for the bodies, but I'm not sure they'll ever be found," Lawat said.

Constitutional law expert Bipin Adhikari said Nepal's previous legal framework was not designed for large-scale disasters. The government moved to change the process after families struggled to obtain documents needed for financial support.

"In view of the current disaster, the law is outdated," Adhikari said.

Local officials said affected communities also face challenges beyond documentation, including damaged housing, disrupted services and limited access to aid. Bidur Mayor Rajan Shrestha said many families remained unable to move forward while the legal issue was unresolved.

"Everything is on hold," Shrestha said.

The United Nations said the floods damaged thousands of homes and increased pressure on already vulnerable communities. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder warned that children and families remain exposed to repeated climate-related disasters.

"Unless the world acts to reduce climate risks, we will keep returning to the same valleys after the next flood and after the next landslide, and yet again find children paying the highest price. This is true in Nepal, across Asia, across the Pacific and around the world," Elder said.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said isolated communities continued to need support as roads and communications were restored.

"In the hardest-hit locations, families face disrupted markets, higher transport costs and shortages of essential goods as roads and communications are gradually restored," Caroline Holt said.

Survivors in Betrawati have also reported prolonged displacement. Taiwan Times reported that hundreds of people remained in temporary shelters after losing homes and livelihoods.

"Where are we supposed to go? What are we supposed to do? The river now flows where our house once stood," Shanti Dangol said.

Nepal's disaster agency said authorities had moved into search and recovery efforts while identifying possible resettlement areas. Officials are also assessing long-term reconstruction needs after damage to homes, bridges, schools, health facilities and hydropower projects.

"We are also equally concerned about their permanent settlement, their hygiene and mental health issues," Kamal Prasad Pandey said.