National Disaster Risk Reduction Authority Estimates $4.77 Billion for Flood Damage Reconstruction

Kathmandu. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has estimated that US$4.77 billion is required for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of damage caused by the Rasuwa flood. Executive Chief of the Authority, Dr. Dharamraj Upreti, provided this information during a meeting of the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee. According to him, the damage amounts to NPR 408 billion. He stated that NPR 723 billion is needed for the reconstruction of this damage. He added that immediately after the flood, a 14-member technical team was formed, and damage details were collected using drones and other means. The team prepared a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment report in 15 days. He mentioned that the report includes sector-wise details of damage and required funds for reconstruction in various sectors such as agriculture, forest, fisheries, livestock, roads, bridges, schools, and drinking water. He stated that the report serves as a basis for assistance from development partners and international organizations. He informed that NPR 135 million was sent to the affected local levels from the Prime Minister's Disaster Fund on the first day of the flood. According to him, NPR 10 million was sent to two districts each, and NPR 5 million was sent to Dhading. He said, 'Immediately after the flood, we formed a 14-member technical team. This team, using drones, collected information on the extent of damage and published a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment report within 15 days. This report has also become a cornerstone for the assistance Nepal receives from international organizations and development partners. Our estimated requirement for reconstruction is US$4.77 billion.' He informed that the work to reopen damaged roads and bridges is ongoing. Traffic has been restored on the Galchi-Devighat-Dhunge-Trishuli section, and out of 10 kilometers of the Bidur-Betrawati section, 9.2 kilometers of road have been opened, with work ongoing to open the remaining road. Similarly, three suspension bridges have been constructed at Devighat, Indrenichaur, and Syaphrubesi, and preparations are underway to operate two more suspension bridges. He stated that the target is to complete the repair of 20 suspension bridges by the end of Ashwin. According to him, repairs are underway for five bridges, and tender processes have been initiated for the repair of the remaining 15 bridges. He also informed that tender processes have been initiated for the design and construction of necessary new suspension bridges. **Temporary Housing Needed in Four Districts** The Authority has stated that temporary housing is required for 2,027 flood-affected families in Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dhading, and Chitwan. According to a survey conducted to identify the need for temporary housing, 80.6 percent of families are willing to live in temporary shelters with government assistance. He said that 66.9 percent of families are also willing to live in rented accommodation. He stated that only 25.3 percent of families have their own land for constructing temporary structures. Only 8 percent of families have alternative homes outside the flood-affected areas. The survey found that 74.6 percent of families have 3 to 6 members. The Authority states that temporary housing should be designed based on this. He said, 'Regarding temporary housing, our survey in four districts – Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dhading, and Chitwan – was conducted with the objective of identifying the businesses, residences, and needs of 2027 flood-affected families. Among those surveyed, 80.6 percent of families expressed willingness to live in temporary shelters with government assistance through some means, while more than two-thirds, 66.9 percent, are still willing to live in rented accommodation.' He further added, 'Only 25.3 percent of families have their own land available for the construction of temporary structures. Our survey also showed that only 8 percent have alternative homes outside the flood-affected areas. A majority of families, specifically 74.6 percent, have 3 to 6 members, and the design of the structures should take this into account. We are also making separate arrangements for families with more than nine members.' He informed that 35 temporary learning centers and classrooms have been established in the flood-affected areas. He stated that there are problems due to the lack of sufficient land for the establishment of temporary learning centers.