The government has declared a three-day mourning after floods and landslides killed at least 209 people across the country. A Cabinet meeting on Monday evening held after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli returned from the United States of America decided to honour the victims.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak informed the meeting that at least 209 people have died in recent disasters, while search, rescue, rehabilitation and treatment efforts for the injured were ongoing.

According to one minister, the government has pledged Rs 1 billion to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund.

Prime Minister Oli has instructed ministers to submit a detailed report on the loss of lives and properties by Tuesday and cost estimates for rebuilding, said the minister.

The national flag will be flown at half-mast during the three days of mourning, said Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, who is also the government spokesperson.

Also, the meeting has decided to hand over Rs200,000 to the families of those who died in the floods and landslides. If someone has gone missing and his/her body is not found within ten days, the person will be considered as dead and the family will receive the same compensation as other victims.

The government has announced free treatment for all those injured in the disaster. As many as 92 people are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals, according to the home ministry.

Similarly, all ministers will contribute one month’s salary to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund. The meeting also discussed restoring double lane traffic in all major highways, and curbing black marketing during the festive season.