Nepal floods: Reconstruction could cost billions, says government

Nepal faces a monumental rebuilding task after devastating floods swept through the country, with the estimated cost of reconstruction potentially running into the billions of dollars, according to the nation's Foreign Minister.

“

The reconstruction and rehabilitation could perhaps be counted in billions of dollars.

Shisir Khanal stated that the recovery and rehabilitation efforts could cost "billions of dollars," just days after the catastrophe claimed over 600 lives and left nearly 3,000 people missing. "We will assess the losses and damages and then organize ourselves. I call for the support of the international community," he urged.

International assistance has started to flow in, with several countries and organizations offering emergency financial aid. The European Union pledged 2 million euros, and the United Kingdom offered 5 million pounds. However, Nepal's economy, already struggling, is heavily dependent on tourism and remittances from its citizens working abroad.

“

We will assess the losses and damages then organize ourselves, I call for the support of the international community.

The immediate priority remains rescue operations and saving lives. "Hundreds of bodies have been discovered, and there is a risk of decomposition... our sanitary capabilities to preserve these bodies are limited," Khanal noted, also highlighting the need for forensic resources, including DNA identification for victims.

“

At this time, the emergency remains rescue and saving lives as much as possible.

The minister appealed for "specific aid" from international partners as the nation grapples with the scale of the disaster and the immense challenge of recovery.

“

We have appealed to friends who can provide us with specific aid.