Nepal weighing options to relocate Bhotekoshi flood survivors
Summary
Nepal is preparing to relocate survivors of the August 26 Bhotekoshi flood to safer areas after the disaster destroyed settlements across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. Officials are drafting a master plan for reconstruction, temporary shelter and long-term resettlement while considering lessons from past floods and earthquakes.
Key Points
- The August 26 Bhotekoshi flood destroyed about 15 settlements and 8,317 houses across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, affecting an estimated 1.6 million people in 15 local units.
- The National Planning Commission and disaster authorities are preparing a master plan, PDNA and relocation strategy, with the government considering safer land for new settlements outside flood-risk zones.
- Officials say damaged roads and bridges will be restored first, while temporary shelter, relief and medical support continue for thousands of displaced people in holding centres.
- Experts and former reconstruction officials urged the government to use lessons from the 1993 floods and the 2015 earthquake to plan safer, livelihood-linked resettlement and secure funding.
