Nepal observed a national day of mourning on Monday (September 7, 2026) to honor the tragic loss of more than 1,287 lives resulting from devastating floods in the Himalayan foothills. Marked on the 13th day following the disaster, the national mourning was observed through candlelighting ceremonies and by flying national flags at half-mast across the country.
As part of the state response, national flags were flown at half-mast at all government buildings, autonomous institutions, and Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad. Phanindra Paudel, an official at Nepal’s National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), stated that the government refrained from organizing formal ceremonial programs to keep maximum focus on ongoing rescue and search operations in affected areas. Meanwhile, an aide confirmed to Reuters that Nepalese President Ram Chandra Poudel visited the worst-hit disaster zones on Monday to assess ground conditions and meet affected families.
Nearly two weeks after the calamity, more than 5,000 people remain missing across Nepal. Search and rescue teams from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and international specialized units continue intensive operations across severely impacted mountain districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading.
