Nepal begins flood recovery as thousands remain missing

The government of Nepal announced on Monday that it is shifting its focus from emergency rescue operations to long‑term recovery following the devastating floods and landslides that swept through the country’s mountainous regions last month. The disaster, which claimed more than 200 lives and displaced tens of thousands of residents, has left a staggering $4.8 billion in damage to infrastructure, homes, and agricultural land, prompting officials to launch a nationwide reconstruction plan aimed at restoring roads, bridges, schools and health facilities.

In response to the scale of the destruction, Nepal’s Ministry of Finance has outlined a multi‑year funding package that combines domestic resources with pledges from international donors, development banks and climate funds. The reconstruction bill emphasizes resilient building standards and the integration of early‑warning systems to mitigate future climate‑related hazards. At the same time, civil society groups and indigenous communities have renewed calls for climate justice, urging wealthier nations to honor their commitments under the Paris Agreement and to provide additional financing to address the disproportionate impacts of extreme weather on vulnerable Himalayan populations.

The transition to recovery marks a critical juncture for Nepal as it seeks to rebuild communities while navigating the broader debate over global climate responsibility. Authorities have pledged regular progress reports and have invited oversight from international partners to ensure transparency and effectiveness in the deployment of the $4.8 billion reconstruction fund.