Salyan, Oct. 14 -- As Dashain approaches, people living outside the district have begun returning home, markets are filling with shoppers, and households are busy painting their homes, preparing festive dishes and cleaning village paths and water sources. Public squares are livelier, and temples dedicated to goddesses are drawing worshippers.

But the festive mood has barely reached several villages in Salyan, where dozens of people remain missing after the Bhotekoshi floods in Rasuwa. Families awaiting news of their loved ones have little heart for celebrations, while neighbours and other villagers have also scaled back festivities in solidarity with those affected.

In Gairigaun, a settlement in Bhalakharka, ward 6 of Bangad Kupinde Mun...