Relatives in Nepal began conducting last rites for missing victims a week after deadly floods, as search efforts for the missing came to a halt. The Hindu rituals involved burning straw effigies, marking a shift from official search operations. Meanwhile, the government faced backlash for planning mass temporary burials of unidentified victims, a move that sparked outrage among the largely Hindu population. Religious leaders argued the practice violated traditional customs, leading to public protests.
The death toll has now surpassed 1,000, with nearly 4,000 people still missing. Rescue teams continue recovering bodies, but the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources. Climate change is also being cited as a contributing factor, with experts noting that the Himalayan region is warming faster than most other areas, increasing the risk of such extreme weather events.
The floods, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, have devastated rural areas, destroying homes and infrastructure. Many survivors remain displaced, struggling to access basic necessities. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on both immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery. The government has pledged aid, but the challenge of rebuilding communities in the wake of such devastation remains immense.
