KATHMANDU — Catastrophic floods in Nepal last week destroyed property, housing and infrastructure valued at an estimated 387.5 billion Nepalese rupees, equivalent to $2.56 billion. The disaster claimed more than 1,250 lives, with thousands more missing and displaced.
Dharma Raj Upreti, chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, confirmed the damage estimate on Friday. He said the figures were compiled in coordination with various government agencies, with a more detailed assessment to follow.
The floods were triggered by a glacier collapse on Aug. 26, which sent ice, rock and mud down the Trishuli River. The deluge devastated towns and villages in Nepal's border region with China.
Initial recovery efforts over the first four months are expected to cost around $52.6 million, or 7.95 billion Nepalese rupees. The funds will be allocated to rebuilding roads, establishing temporary shelters, restoring drinking water access and reactivating power supplies.
Nepal must rebuild approximately 20,000 houses in flood-stricken regions. At least 7,500 homes were completely destroyed.
More than 4,500 people are displaced, housed in 38 relief centers across Nepal. Many survivors lack access to essential medicines and cash for basic expenses.
Suresh Kumar Karanjit, sheltered in Devighat, Nuwakot district, lost his younger brother in the floods. He reported that his center lacked medicine for his heart condition. To buy his regular medication, Karanjit sold a carton of noodles he received as relief supplies for 400 rupees, roughly $2.60.
Upreti said authorities have established health centers staffed by doctors and stocked with medicines at each shelter. Hygiene and sanitation measures are underway to prevent disease among displaced populations.
