Nepal government expects to resettle Bhotekoshi flood victims within two years
In Nepal, the government expects to relocate people affected by the Bhotekoshi floods on August 26 to safer settlements within two years. According to the latest government data, the disaster claimed at least 1,384 lives, while more than 4,000 people are considered missing. The floods also damaged roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure in several districts, The Kathmandu Post reports.
Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal said that 8,692 households, home to 39,114 people, were affected by the floods. Thirty-nine temporary accommodation centers have been set up for them. The government plans to select land for integrated settlements and purchase private plots if necessary. Decisions on the use of forest or other state land will be made separately.
Temporary housing and payments
Families that decide not to remain in accommodation centers will receive 15,000 rupees per month for housing rent if the family has up to four members. An additional 2,000 rupees is provided for each subsequent family member. The funds will be distributed through local authorities.
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The government is also preparing prefabricated temporary houses with kitchens and bathrooms. They are planned to be placed mainly near the affected communities: 22 or 23 possible sites have been preliminarily identified. According to Lamsal, components for these houses may arrive from China as aid or be purchased there.
Restoring transport links
The authorities named restoring transport links as a priority. Bailey bridges are needed for the road between Betravati and Syabrubesi, but installation has been complicated by swampy areas: several technicians became stuck in mud, and two vehicles got bogged down. One bridge has already been installed in Devighat, while another is to connect Betravati with Syabrubesi.
Nepal also needs a bridge up to 120 meters long across the Trishuli River. China sent two 100-meter bridges, but they did not meet the requirements. Due to damaged roads, food, gas and other essential goods have to be delivered by helicopter. Nepalese authorities asked China for assistance in restoring the road from Rasuwa to Syabrubesi: the Chinese side agreed verbally, but a written agreement has not yet been signed. The Rasuwagadhi border crossing is planned to open after a safe route is determined.
