Nepal's flash flood recovery bill estimated at $4.7 billion
The floods were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border. Floodwaters swept down the Bhotekoshi River. Around 1,400 people were killed and more than 5,000 remain missing.
Nepal will need an estimated $4.7 billion to recover and rebuild after the August 26 flash floods, according to a government-led assessment released on Saturday.
The Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment for the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi Flood 2026 put the total damage at $2.7 billion, including $1.81 billion in physical damage and $883.32 million in economic losses.
The larger recovery bill also covers disaster-risk reduction and measures to build more resilient infrastructure.
The floods were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border. Floodwaters swept down the Bhotekoshi River, destroying homes, vehicles, roads and bridges and damaging hydropower projects.
Around 1,400 people were killed and more than 5,000 remain missing.
INFRASTRUCTURE ACCOUNTS FOR 65% OF RECOVERY BILL
Infrastructure accounts for more than 65 per cent of the estimated recovery needs, with the energy and transport sectors suffering extensive damage.
The energy sector recorded physical damage of $889.21 million and economic losses of $107.91 million. The report estimated an annual hydropower generation loss of 2,520 GWh, though it said the figure needed further verification.
Restoring road connectivity is expected to cost $364.28 million. The floods damaged 69 km of roads, including 55 km of the Betrawati-Rasuwagadhi section that was completely destroyed.
Immediate work will involve clearing debris, reopening tracks, creating temporary diversions and protecting vulnerable slopes and riverbanks.
37 MOTORABLE BRIDGES DESTROYED
The floods completely destroyed 37 motorable bridges and damaged 68 trail bridges spanning a combined 10,671 metres.
The recovery plan also sets aside $625.52 million for disaster-risk reduction. This includes $2.31 million for a multi-hazard early-warning system and $623.21 million for longer-term resilience projects.
Led by Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the assessment covered Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan districts.
The report said several inventories and cost estimates still needed verification. The figures are planning estimates, not a final audited assessment or confirmed government spending commitment.