Kathmandu. The initial damage from the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River on the Nepal-China border on August 26 is estimated to be Rs 79.17 billion. According to a press release issued by the National Planning Commission on October 15, the floods have caused huge damage to households and business establishments.
According to the survey results of the survey conducted by the commission, the maximum damage has been done to private houses. According to the press release issued after the survey, property worth Rs 69.57 billion has been destroyed on the household side alone. Similarly, businesses and establishments have suffered a loss of Rs 9.60 billion. Apart from this, land, farms, food, livestock, vehicles and valuables have also been damaged.
The NHRC conducted a survey in 15 local levels of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha to assess the damage. According to the press release, a total of 7,316 families and establishments have been affected by floods and landslides, of which 6,817 households and the rest are businesses and establishments. Of these, 4,164 families and establishments have been affected in Nuwakot.
According to the commission, 32,872 people have been directly affected by the floods. Of these, 16,714 are men, 16,080 women and 78 other gender and gender unidentified persons.
The floods damaged 4,151 buildings belonging to 3,067 households. Of the damaged structures, 2,989 or 72.01 per cent were completely destroyed or washed away. Another 508 buildings were buried with mud and mud. The commission said that 76.95 per cent of the structures were completely unusable for reuse.
Desire for rehabilitation and settlement of flood victims{
The 3,067 families who have been completely damaged in their homes have received mixed responses from them when they were enquired about their future permanent settlement options. 30.62 per cent (939 households) have expressed their desire to stay in the same place if the government provides them with land. 25.99 per cent (797 households) have expressed their willingness to return to their pre-flood locations. Similarly, 19.24 per cent (590 households) have said they are ready to live in communal accommodation if the government provides them with communal accommodation. Similarly, 18.42 per cent (565 households) have opted to settle within the district and 5.18 per cent (159 households) have opted to settle in another land owned by them within the country.
Immediate Challenges to Restoring Life to the Normal
With more than 3,194 buildings destroyed so unusable, the main challenge is finding safe temporary or permanent housing, such as group housing or alternative land.
According to the NHRC, more than 507.97 hectares of land has been damaged and stored food grains and crops have been destroyed.
With a total loss of more than Rs 79.17 billion, it is a big test for the government to mobilize adequate financial assistance from the donor agencies on time due to the need for a large amount of financial resources, but the internal resources are limited.
In the absence of adequate financial resources, the flood-damaged road network and the reconstruction of overgrown concrete bridges will lead to further economic losses. In addition, it is challenging to keep economic activity active by repairing and rebuilding retail trade, housing and food services, and other infrastructure as soon as possible.
