Government Initiates Swift Preparations for Donor Conference to Aid Rasuwa Flood-Affected Areas

Foreign Minister Shashir Khanal has informed that the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are actively discussing the rapid preparation of the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). During a press conference held at the ministry on Saturday, he mentioned ongoing consultations about the possibility of organizing a donor conference soon based on this report. He also noted that “initial preparations have already commenced,” emphasizing that the government’s current priority remains “saving as many lives as possible.”

Previously, Nepal’s largest disaster was the 2015 earthquake (2072 BS). Two former Chief Executive Officers of the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), established after the earthquake, have suggested that the reconstruction work following the Rasuwa floods will differ significantly and must be planned accordingly. Former CEO Govindraj Pokharel explained, “Although houses collapsed during the earthquake, the land remained mostly intact, but in this case, many areas have lost entire settlements, making the situation different.”

Another former NRA chief, Sushil Gyawali, emphasized that the new donor conference should also address potential disaster risks in other watershed areas alongside the Rasuwa flood recovery efforts. The donor conference for the 2015 earthquake was held about two months after the event. Pokharel asserted that, similarly, after the rescue operations conclude for the Rasuwa floods, it is crucial to conduct an initial assessment within one month to prevent the fading of the currently felt urgency.

Minister Khanal described the damage caused by the Rasuwa flood as “very extensive” and acknowledged the need for international assistance for reconstruction. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle estimated that reconstruction could require between 400 to 500 million US dollars following the devastating flood. Minister Khanal shared preliminary data indicating that around 15,000 private houses have been affected.

The flood-affected area linked to the Rasuwa-Gadhi-Kerung border is a vital economic trade zone on the Chinese side, with more than two-thirds of trade transiting through this route towards China. Pokharel highlighted the necessity of adopting a new policy approach when preparing the PDNA, stating, “This reconstruction will set new standards for building houses, settlements, and roads.” Minister Khanal added, “As relief operations continue, further assessments of needs are underway, and depending on the requirements, additional cooperation will be sought from neighboring and international partners.”