Govt's Reassuring Moves

This year’s floods and landslides in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts on August 26, along the Bhotekoshi and Trisuli Corridor, and in Gorkha on October 11 have disrupted transportation, supply chains and local economies. The devastating damage has impacted not only disaster-hit communities but also markets, businesses and household budgets elsewhere in the nation. Transportation disruptions have delayed the movement of goods to Kathmandu and other markets across the country, forcing businessmen to use alternative routes and bear additional transportation costs. Common people continue to face higher prices, with some traders and middlemen reportedly taking advantage of supply constraints to increase prices. Thus, natural disasters, disrupted roads and rising prices have affected the grand Dashain festival this year, forcing thousands of families to cut spending and prioritise essential goods over festive shopping.