1,355 dead and 4,996 missing in Nepal mudslide disaster puts Prime Minister's response to the test
Quick Look
- The debris flow disaster that occurred in the Nepal-China border area left 1,355 people dead and 4,996 people missing (including 5 Japanese) in Nepal.
- The 7th was the 13th day since the disaster, and mourning ceremonies were held across the country in accordance with Hindu custom.
- Rescue operations are continuing, but the prime minister's social media-based response has been criticized.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
In Nepal, Hinduism is the majority religion, and the 13th day after a disaster is considered the end of the mourning period, during which rituals are traditionally performed.
[New Delhi, Jiji] On the 7th, a national day of mourning in Nepal for the victims of the landslide disaster in the border region between Nepal and China, half-staff flags were flown at government buildings and across the country to honor the deceased. The 7th marks the 13th day since the disaster struck. In Hinduism, the majority religion in the country, the 13th day marks the end of the official mourning period, during which memorial rituals are conducted.
Landslide Response a Test for 36-Year-Old Prime Minister; Criticism Over Reliance on Social Media—Nepal
According to Nepal's disaster management authorities, the confirmed death toll in the country stands at 1,355, with 4,996 people still missing, including five Japanese nationals. Combined with figures from the Chinese side, the total number of dead exceeds 1,390, and the missing number over 5,500.
In Nepal, a total of four people, including engineers and local residents, were rescued from damaged hydroelectric power plant tunnels and private homes on the 4th and 5th. A military spokesperson told AFP that rescue operations are still continuing "at the same pace as on the first day." Meanwhile, as many bodies remain unrecovered, some families have begun holding funerals using effigies representing the missing, in accordance with local customs.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Rescue operations are expected to continue for at least another week or so.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What are the prospects for rescuing the missing persons?
- What is the status of securing the materials and personnel necessary for rescue operations?
- Are there any recovery plans for the damaged hydroelectric power plants?
