Finance Minister calls for realistic assessment of Bhotekoshi flood damage

Kathmandu, Sept 9: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has directed the concerned agencies to ensure that the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) of the damage caused by the Bhotekoshi floods accurately reflects the situation on the ground.

Minister Wagle issued the directive during a discussion held at the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday involving the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the World Bank’s Nepal office.

The meeting reviewed the preliminary assessments prepared separately by an NPC task force under the RDNA framework and the World Bank’s Global Rapid Damage Estimation (GRADE).

Wagle stressed that an accurate assessment of physical damage and recovery needs is essential for effective reconstruction and rehabilitation.

He said the findings must be based on facts and ground realities so that the assessment can serve as a credible national document, support informed government decisions and help mobilize the resources required for reconstruction.

The NPC is currently preparing a draft report covering the physical and human impacts of the devastating floods, while the World Bank has already completed its preliminary damage assessment. Tuesday’s meeting focused on verifying the preliminary findings and developing a common initial assessment.

The RDNA categorizes the flood damage into four broad areas: social, productive, infrastructure and cross-sectoral sectors.

The social sector covers damage to private buildings and structures, as well as public infrastructure related to education, health and cultural heritage.

The productive sector includes losses in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, finance and other economic activities.

The infrastructure sector covers damage to hydropower projects, transmission lines, household renewable-energy systems, roads, bridges, telecommunications, irrigation and river-management infrastructure, as well as environmental and public-health impacts.

The assessment also covers debris and hazardous waste accumulated in flood-affected areas under the cross-sectoral category.

The government is preparing to issue a joint RDNA report by consolidating the assessments prepared by the NPC and the World Bank.

The RDNA is being coordinated by an NPC team led by Joint Secretary Arjun Bhandari, with representatives from relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure.

The government plans to use the final assessment as the basis for relief and recovery planning, mobilizing investment and resources, and carrying out reconstruction and rehabilitation in the flood-affected areas.