Nepal ends flood search and rescue, shifts to rehabilitation after 1,455 deaths

Nepal has ended its search-and-rescue operation for victims of a devastating flood that struck in August, killing at least 1,455 people and leaving 5,285 missing. The announcement was made on October 5 by the National Emergency Operation Centre, which said the country is now moving to a rehabilitation phase. The flood, which originated at Nepal's border with China's Tibet region, also destroyed infrastructure and displaced thousands. The government needs nearly US$5 billion for recovery. The disaster is also a key topic ahead of the COP31 climate conference in Turkey in November.