Nepal estimates 4.74 bln USD needed for post-flood reconstruction, recovery

Nepal is estimated to need 4.74 billion U.S. dollars for reconstruction and recovery following a devastating mudslide that struck its northern districts on Aug. 26, the Prime Minister's Secretariat said on Thursday, reported Xinhua.

The estimate is based on a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) report prepared by a joint technical team comprising the National Planning Commission, a planning body of the Nepal government, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

The deadly mudslide had killed 1,377 people and left 5,130 people missing as of 11 a.m. local time Thursday, according to NDRRMA. Citing the RDNA report, the Prime Minister's Secretariat said the infrastructure sector suffered the largest share of the damage, requiring 3.1 billion dollars for recovery, equivalent to about 75 percent of the total estimated recovery needs.

The energy sector has been particularly hard hit, with the mudslide affecting 13 hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 759 MW and five solar plants with a total capacity of 24 MW. The report estimates that 2.56 billion dollars will be required to restore the energy and power grid systems.

The report puts the cost of restoring transport infrastructure at 481 million dollars. The mudslide also caused significant damage to homes and other social infrastructure in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan districts. The RDNA report has divided the reconstruction process into short- and long-term phases.

It estimates that 57.28 million dollars will be needed over the next six months for immediate relief and short-term reconstruction. The remaining amount will be required for long-term reconstruction, the report said, highlighting the enormous financial burden the disaster has placed on the government and affected communities.