Kathmandu, Oct. 5 -- Nepal has suspended search and rescue operations following the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods except in emergencies, shifting the focus towards reconstruction and rehabilitation in the affected areas.

A meeting of the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Monday, directed the relevant agencies to intensify reconstruction and recovery work while continuing necessary search operations.

The decision was based on recommendations from district security committees, district disaster management committees, the executive committee of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA)...