Nepal unlikely to hold donor conference for reconstruction
Summary
Nepal is unlikely to hold a donor conference for rebuilding damage caused by last month’s Bhotekoshi floods and is instead leaning toward bilateral negotiations with major partners. The government estimates reconstruction needs at about Rs721.31 billion, while the floods have left at least 1,403 people dead and 6,150 missing.
Key Points
- The government is preparing to mobilise funds for reconstruction after the Bhotekoshi floods, with a post-disaster needs assessment expected within a month.
- Officials say Nepal may skip a donor conference and instead seek bilateral support from countries such as India, China, the US, Japan and South Korea.
- Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has already visited India and plans further trips to Doha, New York, Washington DC and Bangkok to seek reconstruction financing.
- The floods have killed at least 1,403 people and left 6,150 missing, while preliminary estimates put total damage and losses at Rs408 billion.
