Sourced fact
The News
More than 5,000 people died in the floods that hit the border between China and Nepal last month, leading to many families struggling to obtain official death certificates. In Kathmandu, Madan Lal Luit and other families joined celebrations at the Pashupatinath temple to honor the memory of loved ones who lost their lives. According to Hindu rituals, a symbolic statue made of sacred grass "kusa" is prepared to perform the last rites when bodies cannot be recovered.
Luit said, "I don't know how to start over." However, relatives face difficulties in obtaining the necessary death certificates to access compensation, transfer assets, and guardianship. Nepalese law assumes that a missing person is alive for 12 years before being declared dead, which hampers families' efforts to deal with losses.
Pepin Adhikari, a constitutional law expert, stated, "Given the current disaster, the law is outdated and inappropriate." According to the government's assessment, more than 7,570 residential buildings were damaged or destroyed, leading to the displacement of approximately 33,000 people. In the severely affected village of Betrawati, most areas have been restored, but rebuilding requires substantial compensation.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Analytically, this issue reflects Nepal's difficulties in dealing with natural disasters and providing support to affected residents. The current law in Nepal does not provide immediate solutions for cases arising from natural disasters, exacerbating the suffering of families who have lost loved ones. In a broader context, Nepal faces significant challenges in rebuilding damaged infrastructure and recovering from recurring natural disasters.
Historically, Nepal has experienced numerous natural disasters in recent years, including the 2015 earthquake that led to extensive destruction of infrastructure and homes. These disasters place significant pressure on Nepal's weak economy and increase the need for international support for recovery.
