Nepal has estimated that rebuilding after last month’s devastating floods will cost about $4.78bn. The country continues to deal with widespread destruction and thousands of people still missing. Many officials have pointed to the urgent need for Nepal flood reconstruction in order to restore lives and infrastructure.
According to AFP, Nepal’s foreign ministry announced the estimate on Friday following the August 26 disaster. The flooding began near the China-Nepal border after a glacial mountain collapse triggered a powerful flood.
The disaster has killed more than 1,400 people across Nepal and China, while more than 5,600 remain missing. The response and planning for Nepal flood reconstruction have become a national priority.
Foreign ministry spokesman Lok Bahadur Chhetri said the bulk of the projected spending would be required for long-term reconstruction.
“The total estimated requirement for reconstruction is approximately $4.78 billion,” Chhetri said.
Nepal outlines rebuilding needs
The government estimates that about $57.67m will be required for immediate reconstruction and recovery over the next six months.
Another $4.71bn is expected to be needed for longer-term rebuilding, underscoring the scale of the Nepal flood reconstruction effort.
Officials are also carrying out a wider post-disaster assessment. They want to establish the full scale of damage to homes, roads, bridges, agricultural land and other infrastructure.
A preliminary United Nations assessment estimated damage to buildings alone at about $158m.
However, officials warned that the overall economic losses are expected to be significantly higher. All in all, the process of Nepal flood reconstruction will likely take years of sustained commitment.
Prime minister takes climate case to UN
Prime Minister Balendra Shah is expected to make his first foreign trip as leader later this month. He will attend the United Nations General Assembly.
The Nepalese government says Shah will use the trip to push for stronger international support. This support is needed for countries increasingly affected by climate-related disasters.
Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai said the prime minister intends to draw global attention to Nepal’s repeated loss of lives and property.
Nepal contributes only a small share of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, it remains highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters because of its mountainous terrain and rapidly melting glaciers.
Scientists have warned that Himalayan glaciers are retreating faster as global temperatures rise. This increases the risk of floods and other disasters.
Search continues for missing victims
Rescue operations are still continuing in parts of Nepal, particularly around hydropower tunnels filled with freezing mud.
Hundreds of workers are among those still unaccounted for.
Three people were rescued from tunnels several days after the disaster. Meanwhile, a Chinese man was also pulled out alive nearly a week later.
The United Nations has launched a $50m appeal to support more than 84,000 affected people. Operations gradually shift from search and rescue to relief and recovery.
Nepal’s disaster agency said 1,385 bodies had been recovered, with around 5,130 people still missing.
In China, 43 people have been confirmed dead and 519 remain missing.
The combined toll stands at 1,428 dead and more than 5,649 missing, including hundreds of foreign tourists and pilgrims.
