Preliminary Economic Losses from Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Flood Exceed Rs. 3.87 Trillion
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has reported preliminary economic damages exceeding Rs. 3.87 trillion due to the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli floods. At a press conference held on Friday in Kathmandu, the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Dharma Raj Upreti, released initial damage statistics. “Preliminary sector-wise damage estimated amounts to approximately Rs. 3 trillion 87 billion 54 crore across buildings, roads, telecommunications, agriculture, and livestock,” he stated. According to Upreti, early recovery efforts will require around Rs. 7.95 billion. Officials added that a detailed post-disaster study will reveal the full extent of damage caused by the flood.
The devastating flood on Bhadra 10 (late August) along the Nepal-China border inflicted widespread destruction across road infrastructure, communications, hydropower, and other sectors, officials said. They estimate more than 7,500 private homes have been damaged. Experts have noted that districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading face long-term reconstruction challenges due to the extensive harm. Spokesperson Shanti Mahat of the Authority reported on Thursday evening that over 12,000 people have been rescued from the affected areas, while search operations continue for nearly 5,100 citizens, including about 600 foreigners.
More than 21,000 security personnel have been deployed for search, rescue, and treatment, Mahat said. CEO Dharma Raj Upreti confirmed ongoing rescue efforts for those trapped in various hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot. “We continue the search operations inside the tunnels, holding hope for further live rescues and working towards that goal,” he added. Current rescue is concentrated at hydropower sites where many individuals remain trapped. Despite nine days having passed, no survivors have been found among those missing inside the project tunnels and production centers. The Nepal Army has recovered three bodies from hydropower tunnels; on Thursday, organizers reported the retrieval of two additional bodies from the Langtang Khola hydropower tunnel.
Following the high death toll, the Government of Nepal has announced a national day of mourning to be observed next Monday, marking the 13th day since the flood on Bhadra 10. The government will honor all victims of the destructive flood by lowering flags to half-mast at all government offices and Nepali embassies on this solemn occasion, the Ministry of Education, represented by Sasmita Pokharel, conveyed.
