Private sector bears bulk of Bhotekoshi flood losses

A preliminary government assessment estimates damage and economic losses at Rs408 billion. Nearly 4,800 businesses and 7,570 homes were damaged, while 13 hydropower projects and five solar plants were hit.

The August 26 flash floods in the Bhotekoshi river swept away roads, homes and bridges, and damaged hydropower projects, causing one of the costliest climate disasters. Beyond the visible devastation, however, the floods have exposed a stark economic reality: more than two-thirds of the estimated losses fell on the private sector.