Kathmandu.- Nepal estimated this Thursday that 4.74 billion dollars will be needed for the country’s reconstruction following the devastating floods of August 26, which have so far left more than 1,300 dead and 5,100 missing, in addition to a trail of destruction in essential infrastructure and hydroelectric projects.
Just the rehabilitation of the infrastructure sectors most affected by the catastrophe will cost 3.1 billion dollars, 65% of all the resources needed, according to the report prepared by the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
Thirteen hydroelectric projects with a combined capacity of 759 megawatts were affected by the flood, hitting one of the Himalayan country’s main economic bets. In addition, five solar plants totaling 24 megawatts of capacity suffered damage.
The report estimates that $2.56 billion will be needed just to restore energy systems and the power grid.
More than 33 bridges were swept away by the waters, and 53 of the 64 suspension bridges in the affected areas suffered damage.
The floods also affected nearly 70 kilometers of roads, raising the estimated cost of restoring transport infrastructure to 480 million dollars.
More than 12,000 homes and businesses destroyed
Almost 7,570 homes were damaged in the districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan. In addition, 48 public buildings, 18 schools, seven health centers, and 30 cultural heritage sites suffered damage.
The report estimates that $67.87 million will be needed to restore these social sector assets.
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On the other hand, Nepalese authorities estimate that the reactivation of the productive sector—which includes trade, businesses, banking, and agriculture—will cost 33.28 million dollars.
According to the document, 1,806 hectares of agricultural crops, 17 bank branches, and 4,800 commercial establishments were affected by the floods.
Kathmandu has linked the disaster to climate change and has called on the most polluting countries to contribute resources for the reconstruction of the affected areas.
