The government estimates that Rs723.31 billion will be needed to rebuild areas devastated by the August 26 Bhotekoshi river floods.

The figures are based on a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) carried out by a joint team led by the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

Infrastructure suffered the heaviest damage, with Rs473.57 billion estimated to be required for recovery and reconstruction in the sector.

Energy and roads were among the worst-hit parts of the infrastructure network. The floods affected 13 hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 759 megawatts and five solar plants with a combined capacity of 24 MW.

The assessment estimates that Rs390.62 billion will be needed to restore the energy and electricity grid system.

The floods also damaged 69 kilometres of roads. As many as 33 motorable bridges were washed away, while four others suffered partial damage. Of the 64 footbridges in the affected areas, 53 were damaged.

The overall recovery of transport infrastructure is estimated to cost Rs73.34 billion.

The disaster also caused extensive damage to homes, public facilities and productive activities in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan, the assessment said.

A total of 7,570 private houses were damaged, along with 48 public buildings, 18 schools, seven health facilities and 30 cultural heritage sites. The assessment puts the recovery requirement for the social sector at Rs103.54 billion.

The productive sector, covering trade, businesses, banks and agriculture, will require an estimated Rs50.77 billion to recover.

The floods affected 1,806 hectares of agricultural land, 17 bank branches and 4,800 business establishments, according to the assessment.

Among the 15 local units affected across the five districts, Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot suffered damage to 3,026 houses, the highest number recorded in a single local unit.

The government has also estimated that Rs94.75 billion will be required for disaster risk reduction and river management, while Rs515.4 million will be needed to manage mud, silt and debris left by the floods.

The RDNA divides the reconstruction effort into two phases.

It estimates that Rs8.73 billion will be needed over the next six months for immediate relief and short-term reconstruction. Long-term reconstruction is expected to require a further Rs714.58 billion.