Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Flood: Damage Comparable to 2015 Earthquake and Challenges in Resource Mobilization

Although five districts were primarily affected, officials have stated that the damage caused by the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli flood on September 26 roughly equals that of the 2015 earthquake. This “devastating” level of human loss and damage has severely impacted key infrastructure, from the main trade route connecting Nepal with China to one of the country’s emerging hydropower sectors. The destruction to infrastructure has created challenges for Nepal in mobilizing substantial resources needed for reconstruction, experts note.

According to the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) report prepared by the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the government will require NPR 723 billion for post-flood reconstruction. “The total estimated damage from this flood is NPR 408 billion, and for long-term recovery, we project a need of NPR 723 billion,” said Arjun Bhandari, Secretary of the National Planning Commission.

In the energy sector, 13 hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 759 megawatts and five solar plants producing 24 megawatts have been affected. Reconstruction of energy and grid systems is expected to cost NPR 390 billion. Additionally, 69 kilometers of road segments were damaged, 33 motorable bridges swept away, and four suffered partial damage. It is worth noting that the 2015 earthquake caused over NPR 2.1 billion damage in hydropower and more than NPR 2.2 billion in transportation.

Following the flood, an estimated NPR 5.077 billion is needed for the recovery of trade, business, banking, and agriculture sectors. The affected areas encompass 1,806 hectares of agricultural land, 17 bank branches, and 4,800 commercial establishments. “Currently, we are in the relief phase. National and international support will aid initial recovery. However, for long-term reconstruction, resource mobilization together with development partners is imperative,” stated Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.