Coordination Lacking Between Government Tiers in Flood Response
Summary
A deadly flood in Rasuwa has exposed weak coordination between Nepal’s federal, provincial and local governments, slowing rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts. Experts say the focus must now shift to distributing aid and rebuilding damaged infrastructure.
Key Points
- The Bhote Koshi flood in Rasuwa has killed hundreds, left thousands homeless and missing, and washed away roads, bridges, hydropower projects and settlements in several Bagmati districts.
- Provincial and local governments say the federal government has failed to coordinate adequately on search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation.
- Experts including Dr. Gangalal Tuladhar, Khimlal Devkota, Dr. Pushpa Kandel and Prof. Dr. Bishalnath Upreti say relief distribution and long-term rehabilitation now need urgent, coordinated action.
- Tuladhar says the one-door policy and lack of local-government involvement have delayed aid reaching victims in holding centers.
