Nepal requires $4.74 billion to recover from the catastrophe following intense flooding
The government of Nepal has presented an official report estimating that the country will need an investment of 4.74 billion dollars to overcome the aftermath of the devastating floods that occurred on August 26. The tragedy has left a heartbreaking human toll, with more than 1,300 dead and 5,100 people still missing, marking one of the most serious crises in the recent history of the Himalayan nation.
The document, prepared jointly by the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, details that infrastructure accounts for the largest share of recovery expenses. This sector alone requires an investment of 3.1 billion dollars, which is equivalent to 65% of the total projected budget for reconstruction.
Critical impact on energy and transport
One of the hardest-hit sectors is energy, a fundamental pillar of the Nepalese economy. The force of the waters disabled thirteen hydroelectric projects with a total capacity of 759 megawatts, in addition to affecting five solar plants. Restoring the electrical grid and energy systems will require, according to official estimates, about 2.56 billion dollars.
- Road infrastructure: More than 33 main bridges were destroyed and 53 suspension bridges suffered severe damage.
- Transport: Nearly 70 kilometers of roads were left inoperable, with an estimated repair cost of 480 million dollars.
The Kathmandu government has directly linked this catastrophe to the effects of climate change, making an urgent call to nations with higher polluting emissions to contribute the necessary resources for the reconstruction of the devastated areas.
Social and productive damages
The impact on the daily lives of citizens has been profound. More than 12,000 homes and businesses were destroyed or suffered significant damage in key districts such as Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan. Likewise, public infrastructure, which includes 18 schools, 48 government buildings, seven health centers, and 30 cultural heritage sites, requires an investment of 67.87 million dollars for its rehabilitation.
Regarding the productive sector, which encompasses agriculture, banking, and local commerce, authorities estimate that the reactivation will cost 33.28 million dollars. The catastrophe directly affected 1,806 hectares of crops, 17 bank branches, and nearly 4,800 commercial establishments, vital elements for the subsistence of the affected communities.
