Two weeks after the devastating flood, the Nepal Army (NA) continues its search and rescue operations. The NA reported that it rescued 30 people on Friday using helicopters, bringing the total number of rescued individuals in affected areas to over 4,000, including 283 foreign nationals.
Overall 36,776 people have been rescued so far, including more than 320 foreign nationals. However, approximately 5,130 people remain missing—including 560 foreign nationals from 35 countries—and 1,385 bodies have been recovered.
The government has expedited preparations to build temporary shelters for displaced residents. Those who prefer not to stay in government-arranged temporary housing will receive Rs 15,000 in assistance. However, disbursing these funds may take time as officials have yet to conduct a comprehensive survey of displaced households.
In infrastructure recovery, an Acrow Bridge over the Tadi River at Devighat along the Galchhi–Trishuli road section has been completed and is now open to the public. Road clearing, site clearance, and the removal of debris continue across multiple locations in the affected areas.
An official assessment estimates total physical damage at approximately $1.8 billion, with economic losses reaching around $883 million. Long-term reconstruction will require an estimated $4.78 billion. Of this total, approximately $57.67 million is needed for immediate, short-term recovery over the next six months, while $4.71 billion will be required for long-term rebuilding efforts.
The education sector has also taken a heavy hit. A government study indicates that the flood has disrupted the education of over 9,000 students. Eighteen schools were affected, with 11 buildings completely destroyed and 7 sustaining partial damage. Rebuilding the education infrastructure will require an estimated budget of more than Rs 2 billion.
The disaster has further strained an already fragile national economy. Amid reports that government actions have unsettled the private sector and triggered capital flight, Prime Minister Balendra Shah met with prominent business leaders—including Binod Chaudhary, Pawan Golyan, Umesh Shrestha, and Chandra Dhakal—to address private sector concerns, foster a better investment climate, and revitalize the economy following the Bhotekoshi flood.
On the international stage, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Prime Minister Shah will highlight climate justice in connection with the Bhotekoshi flood during his address to the 81st UN General Assembly. Foreign Ministry officials noted that Prime Minister Shah will draw global attention to the severe loss of life and property Nepal frequently suffers due to climate-induced disasters. He will urge the international community to ensure climate justice for Nepal through immediate, fair compensation via the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, alongside accessible and concessional climate finance and technology transfers.
Officials warned, however, that developed nations often offer loans instead of grants, risking further climate debt for vulnerable countries. Additionally, Nepal will host a side event in New York titled "Sagarmatha to the Sea: A Call to Action for a Climate-Resilient Future"—a routine initiative that has historically struggled to make an impact due to a lack of high-level international representation.
KAMAL DEV BHATTARAI\ Kathmandu
