Kathmandu [Nepal], October 22 – The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage has approved a $20 million grant for Nepal to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in communities affected by floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers linked to climate change.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment said the fund’s special meeting on Thursday approved the assistance.
Maheshwar Dhakal, joint secretary at the ministry and head of its Climate Change Management Division said the Nepal government had requested support from the fund’s board on August 31 to address the human and economic losses caused by the floods.
Dhakal, who also serves as Nepal’s national focal point and alternate board member for the fund said consultations had taken place among board members representing developed and developing countries to advance Nepal’s request.
Under the decision Nepal must submit a separate project proposal targeting communities affected by the floods in the Bhotekoshi region. Activities can begin after the proposal is approved under the fund’s procedures.
According to the ministry, the floods on August 26 directly affected more than 60,000 people from around 15,000 households. Preliminary figures indicate that about 1,500 people died and more than 5,000 remain missing.
Initial economic losses are estimated at $2.7 billion while reconstruction is expected to require $4.7 billion.
