Nepal has shortened the legal waiting period for declaring people missing in natural disasters dead from 12 years to 45 days. The change took effect through an ordinance issued by President Ram Chandra Paudel shortly before the 45-day period following the 26 August flood was completed.

The decision could help families of 5285 people who have remained missing since the flooding. A death certificate can allow them to begin legal procedures that were previously blocked by the long waiting period.

What the change means for families

The revised timeline may make it easier for affected relatives to seek death certificates, pursue government compensation, settle insurance claims and address inheritance matters involving property. Families had faced uncertainty while waiting for the earlier legal period to expire.

The missing people include Nepali citizens and at least 189 Indian citizens. Their families have faced administrative difficulties since the disaster, according to the reported details surrounding the ordinance.

The measure was introduced following a recommendation from the cabinet of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and applies immediately. It changes the timeframe for legal recognition, but it does not itself resolve every question related to financial relief.

Process for Indian families

For relatives of missing Indian citizens, the process will begin with evidence showing that the person was present in flood-affected areas on 26 August. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is expected to coordinate with Nepal's administration to verify the relevant information.

After that coordination, local registration offices will process applications using citizenship documents, police reports and certificates from the embassy. These documents are intended to support applications for death certificates under the new procedure.

Once Nepali authorities issue the death certificate and the required consular formalities are completed, families in India can use the documents for property inheritance, insurance claims and other statutory procedures.

The reported measure does not clearly establish whether foreign citizens qualify for financial compensation from Nepal's disaster relief fund. That issue remains unresolved in the available details, even though the ordinance provides a faster route towards documentation and related legal steps.

Conclusion

Nepal's ordinance replaces the earlier 12-year wait with a 45-day period for people missing after natural disasters. For families affected by the 26 August flood, the change may open the way to death certificates and legal claims, while compensation eligibility for foreign citizens remains unclear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What has Nepal changed?

Nepal has reduced the period for legally declaring people missing in natural disasters dead from 12 years to 45 days.

Q. Which incident is linked to the change?

The ordinance was introduced in connection with the flood that occurred on 26 August.

Q. How many people were missing after the flood?

The reported figure was 5285 people.

Q. How many Indian citizens were among the missing?

At least 189 Indian citizens were included among those reported missing.

Q. Who issued the ordinance?

President Ram Chandra Paudel issued the ordinance following a recommendation from Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's cabinet.

Q. What can families use death certificates for?

Families may use them to pursue government compensation, insurance claims, inheritance matters and other legal procedures.

Q. What evidence is needed for Indian families to begin the process?

They will need evidence that their relatives were present in flood-affected areas on 26 August.

Q. Which offices will process applications?

Local registration offices will process applications using citizenship documents, police reports and embassy certificates.

Q. Is foreign-citizen compensation confirmed?

No. The available details do not clearly state whether foreign citizens qualify for Nepal's disaster relief fund compensation.