KATHMANDU, Sept 11: The government has estimated that Rs 723.31 billion will be required to rebuild structures devastated by the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood in Rasuwa on August 26.
According to the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) report prepared by a joint technical team of the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Rs 473.57 billion will be needed for rehabilitation of the infrastructure sector alone. This accounts for 75 percent of the total reconstruction requirement.
Among infrastructure, the energy and road sectors suffered the most damage. Thirteen hydroelectric projects with a combined capacity of 759 MW and five solar plants with a capacity of 24 MW were affected. Authorities have earmarked Rs 390.62 billion for reinstallation of the energy and grid system.
Bhotekoshi flood leaves Rs 900 billion reconstruction bill
Road networks were also severely hit, with 69 kilometers of road sections damaged, 33 motorable bridges washed away, and four bridges partially damaged. In addition, 53 of 64 suspension bridges in flood-affected areas were destroyed. Reconstruction of the transport sector is estimated to cost Rs 73.34 billion.
The floods inflicted heavy losses on social and production sectors as well. A total of 7,570 private houses were damaged across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan districts. Damage was also reported to 48 public buildings, 18 schools, seven health institutions, and 30 cultural sites. Reconstruction in this sector will require Rs 103.54 billion.
Reviving trade, business, banking, and agriculture will cost an additional Rs 50.77 billion. The disaster affected 1,806 hectares of crops, 17 bank branches, and 4,800 business establishments. In Nuwakot’s Bidur Municipality alone, 3,026 houses were damaged.
The RDNA report further estimates Rs 94.75 billion for disaster risk reduction and river management, and Rs 515.40 million for landslide and debris management.
Reconstruction has been divided into two phases. Immediate relief and short-term rebuilding within six months will require Rs 8.73 billion, while long-term reconstruction is projected to cost Rs 714.58 billion.
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