Understand
Nepal floods leave families in limbo as missing persons are not officially declared dead
Overview
Following devastating floods in Nepal that left over 5,000 people missing, families are struggling to obtain death certificates because under Nepalese civil law, a missing person is only presumed dead after 12 years. This legal barrier prevents relatives from accessing vital bereavement compensation, funeral costs, and property transfers. Local officials and constitutional experts are urging the government to amend the outdated legislation, while the prime minister's office indicates it is reviewing options to resolve the issue amid a massive national reconstruction effort.
Key points
- More than 5,000 people remain missing following deadly floods along the China-Nepal border.
- Under Nepal's Civil Code, missing persons are only presumed dead after 12 years, complicating the issuance of death certificates.
- Families cannot access government bereavement compensation or handle property transfers without a death certificate.
- Constitutional experts and local mayors are calling on the federal government to update the outdated disaster laws.
- The prime minister's office stated it is aware of the difficulties and is open to amending the law for exceptional disaster circumstances.