Kathmandu [Nepal], November 7 – Nepal is seeking up to US$5 billion in international assistance to rebuild areas devastated by the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disaster as the government prepares to resume financial support for affected families after the Tihar festival.
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) Executive Chief Dr. Dharam Raj Uprety said the authority had prepared a work plan to resume distributing Rs15,000 in livelihood and rental assistance from the first working day after Tihar. Distribution was delayed due to technical complications and office holidays.
Speaking at a parliamentary special committee meeting in Singha Durbar on Friday, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle said discussions had begun with India, China, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to mobilise reconstruction funds over the next three to five years.
Preliminary estimates put reconstruction needs at US$4.7 billion to US$5 billion while disaster-related losses amount to US$2.7 billion to US$2.8 billion equivalent to around 10 percent of Nepal’s GDP, Wagle said.
Meanwhile, the committee decided to prioritise its final report after Tihar. Department of Roads Director General Dr. Vijay Jaisi also warned against installing Bailey bridges in disaster-prone areas without proper technical assessments and strong foundations, citing safety risks from floods and landslides.
