Nobody knows how to count a smile like that
Summary
A devastating flood in Rasuwa has killed or left missing thousands, destroyed infrastructure, and exposed gaps in Nepal’s disaster response and international climate finance. The article argues that loss and damage must include grief, displacement, and other non-economic losses, not just physical damage.
Key Points
- A glacier and bedrock collapse near the Langtang range triggered a flood that devastated the Rasuwagadhi crossing and the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli corridor.
- Nepal’s preliminary physical losses are estimated at about $2.56 billion, while the country has requested $20 million from the UN’s Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.
- The author says relief distribution favored accessible areas, leaving displaced families in schools and other shelters short of food, medicine, and support.
- The article calls for faster grants, transboundary early warning systems, and aid distributed by need rather than road access.
