Nepal observed a national day of mourning on Monday for victims of devastating landslides, with President Ram Chandra Poudel calling for continued search and rescue efforts and greater national solidarity as the country begins to deal with the aftermath.
The national flag was flown at half-mast across Nepal after the government declared September 7 a day of mourning.
In a televised address, Poudel said the disaster had brought immense grief to the country, destroying lives, homes, families and livelihoods while causing widespread damage to roads, bridges and critical infrastructure including hydropower projects.
“Today, the entire nation mourns this devastating disaster,” he said.
The president said families waiting for news of missing loved ones remained a source of grief across the country, stressing that rescue operations must continue despite difficult terrain, damaged roads and unstable conditions.
He praised the Nepal Army, police, Armed Police Force, medical workers, staff and volunteers involved in the rescue operations, saying many had put their own safety aside to enter dangerous areas in an effort to save victims.
Poudel also called on the country to remain united as Nepal moves towards rebuilding and economic recovery.
“This is not the time to be divided,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to friendly countries and the international community for providing assistance, including search and rescue personnel, technical experts, medical teams and equipment during the disaster.
The government’s mourning day comes as rescue and recovery efforts continue following the landslides, with authorities facing challenging conditions in affected areas.
