The recent floods in Nepal have caused extensive destruction and caused the deaths of at least 90 people. For rehabilitation and reconstruction, officials have estimated that around Rs220mn will be needed.
The floods and landslides caused massive destruction especially in eastern parts of the country in the second week of July and according to initial estimates of the Department of Roads, the cost of recovery of structures and rehabilitation will be around Rs220mn, The Kathmandu
Post reported yesterday.
Disasters triggered by incessant monsoon rains damaged more than 50 roads and bridges. “As the rainy season continues, we can expect more damage to infrastructure in the days to come,” said Shiva Hari Sapkota, spokesperson for the
Department of Roads.
“There has not been much rainfall in western parts of the country but we must be prepared for potential damages in the region too once rain starts to pour in,” he added.
Since several highways and roads are in a bad condition, the department said there is a risk of accidents if vehicular movement is allowed without repair and maintenance.
Every monsoon, roads and bridges in the country are damaged by floods and landslides. However, experts said such damages could be reduced if infrastructure is built after proper study of the flood prone areas.
The Road Department spends Rs4-5bn on the maintenance of roads and bridges every year, The Kathmandu Post reported.
A resident walks through floodwaters after the Balkhu River overflowed following monsoon rains at the Kalanki area of Kathmandu last week.
