Flood survivor returns home, eyes work as Nepal begins rebuilding

After being rescued from the worst-hit Rasuwa region on September 4, the 45-year-old tunnel worker returned to his hometown amid traditional music and emotional relatives. He said that surviving the flood, which claimed over 1,400 lives, reinforced his belief that life is valuable and that he still has work to do for his family and country. He remains recuperating from injuries to his hand and leg and hopes to rejoin the hydropower sector that was severely impacted.

The disaster has left more than 5,000 people missing and disrupted key infrastructure, with the government estimating reconstruction costs at US$4.8 billion. Prime Minister Balendra Shah warned the event highlights climate risks, and aid agencies stress that the humanitarian crisis continues.