President Ramchandra Paudel has appealed to the international community to take concrete action to ensure climate justice for Nepal and other countries bearing the brunt of environmental change.

Addressing the nation on Monday, Paudel said the disaster had exposed the exceptional fragility of the Himalayan environment and served as a stark warning about rising global temperatures and the growing risks associated with climate change.

“I make a heartfelt appeal to the international community not only to listen to the voices of ecologically vulnerable countries, including Nepal, but also to take concrete and effective steps to ensure climate justice for them,” Paudel said.

The floods have killed at least 1,355 people across eight districts, with 4,996 still unaccounted for, according to government data released on Monday. Preliminary estimates put losses to property, housing and infrastructure at Rs387.5 billion ($2.56 billion), according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

“The entire nation is mourning this terrible disaster today,” Paudel said.

He praised the efforts of the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, health workers, local representatives, civil servants, volunteers and organisations involved in search, rescue and relief operations.

Recalling Nepal’s experience of earthquakes, floods, landslides, pandemics and other disasters, Paudel said Nepalis had repeatedly demonstrated courage, patience and determination in confronting crises.

He called on political parties, elected representatives, civil society, humanitarian and rescue organisations, the private sector and citizens to stand together.

“This is not a time for division. Nor is it a time to blame one another or become entangled in political disputes and confrontation,” Paudel said. “This is a time to demonstrate national unity and solidarity. It is also a time for reconstruction, rehabilitation and economic recovery.”

As Nepal moves towards rebuilding communities devastated by the floods, the country must also reconsider its development model, Paudel said.

He urged those waiting for news of family members and friends to remain confident that search-and-rescue operations would continue. Difficult terrain, damaged roads and dangerous conditions must not be allowed to obstruct or bring those efforts to an end, he said.

“The pain of this moment of uncertainty that you are experiencing is being felt by the entire nation,” Paudel said. “We must ensure that every person who has been rescued has access to food, clean drinking water, safe shelter, necessary medical treatment and psychosocial services.”

He said particular attention should be given to children, older people, people with disabilities, pregnant women and others who are vulnerable or require special protection. Temporary shelters for displaced people must also be safe and dignified, he said.

Families of both Nepali and foreign nationals affected by the disaster should receive accurate and reliable information and the necessary assistance to bring their loved ones home, Paudel said.

He also thanked neighbouring countries and the international community for their rapid assistance, including search-and-rescue personnel, technical experts, medical teams and essential equipment.

Paudel said the government was coordinating with local government, state agencies and other stakeholders to make relief, rescue and recovery efforts more effective.