Nepal marks national mourning day for flood victims

Nepal marks national mourning day for flood victims

Nepal held a national day of mourning on Monday for those who lost their lives in the massive floods along the border with China last month.

Buddhist monks and local residents gathered at a temple in Nuwakot, one of the hardest-hit districts. They offered prayers for the victims. Rescue operations are still underway for the missing. People in Kathmandu also paid tribute to the victims.　

Monday is the final day of the traditional 13-day Hindu mourning period. Hinduism is practiced by a majority of the population. The government announced it would mark the day by flying the national flag at half-staff.

The floods hit the border areas on August 26. Nepal's disaster authorities say 1,355 people have been confirmed dead in the catastrophe and about 5,000 remain unaccounted for, including five Japanese.

Authorities say hundreds of workers at hydroelectric power projects are trapped in tunnels and other infrastructure. Rescue teams are rushing to find survivors, working alongside personnel from China and South Korea. There are food stocks and generators in some of the tunnels, keeping hopes alive.

On the Chinese side, state-run media say 43 people have been confirmed dead and 519 remain missing.