32 missing declared dead in absentia

POKHARA, June 5: A month after the massive flash flood in Seti River, the local administration on Tuesday declared 32 missing people dead in absentia. It has recommended the home ministry to provide relief to these families on par with the families of the dead.



The flood on May 5 had swept away dozens of people and cattle. In its final report sent to the home ministry, the Kaski District Administration Office (DAO) has put the total death toll at 40 and missing at 32. [break]



“As per the decision of the District Natural Calamity Rescue Committee, the families of the missing would be entitled to equal relief package and compensation on par with the families of the dead,” said Ishwar Raj Paudel, a local development officer.



A day after the incident, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai had announced to provide Rs 25,000 to the families of the dead.



According to Ramji Koirala, an official at DAO, relief has been distributed to 27 families so far. “Now even the families of those who have been declared dead in absentia will be entitled to the government relief,” he said.

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