Nepal needs billions to rebuild after flash floods

BBC South Asia correspondent Azadeh Moshiri reported from Nepal on Tuesday as authorities commence the first phase of reconstruction following the recent disaster that left large swathes of the country buried under rubble. The government, in coordination with local municipalities and international relief agencies, has begun clearing debris from major roadways and public spaces to restore basic mobility and prepare sites for rebuilding homes, schools and health facilities. Engineers and contractors are prioritising the removal of unstable structures, while emergency shelters continue to house families displaced by the event.

Officials said the initial cleanup effort aims to create safe zones for reconstruction crews and to assess the extent of damage before launching larger‑scale rebuilding projects. Funding from both national budgets and foreign donors has been allocated to support the restoration of critical infrastructure, with an emphasis on earthquake‑resistant designs to mitigate future risks. As the debris removal progresses, authorities expect to transition from emergency response to longer‑term development, signaling a tentative step toward normalcy for the affected communities.