One month since Bhotekoshi flood: travel difficult after bridges swept away, rehabilitation still distant

A month has passed since the flood in Rasuwa's Bhotekoshi River on Bhadra 10, but road connectivity in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading has still not become smooth.

According to government data, the flood damaged about 37 motorable bridges, of which about 33 were completely swept away — 14 in Nuwakot, 13 in Rasuwa, 5 in Dhading and 1 in Gorkha. Damage was also caused to nearly 68 suspension bridges, making even walking between settlements on opposite riverbanks difficult. Locals have had to wait hours for their turn to cross the Trishuli River on a cable pulley (tuin).

According to the government's rapid assessment, about 55 kilometers of road has also been damaged, and the flood is estimated to have damaged about 7,570 private homes. Many of those displaced from Rasuwa are staying in camps in Nuwakot and Kathmandu.

The government estimates that about NPR 723 billion will be needed for reconstruction. Bagmati Province Chief Minister Kiran Thapa Magar has said it is not feasible to resettle people in the Dhunche, Syafrubensi, Timure and Betrawati areas.