The National Planning Commission is preparing to release the preliminary Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report on the damage caused by the Bhotekoshi floods before Dashain. According to the commission, most of the field research has been completed and the preliminary report is currently in its final stage of preparation.

National Planning Commission Vice Chairperson Gunakar Bhatta said the field assessment involved direct interaction with more than 7,000 households affected by the floods. The assessment has focused on understanding the concerns and difficulties faced by affected families.

Bhatta said there are still challenges in mapping and assessing the damage caused to hydropower projects. He noted that some affected projects may have limited prospects of being restored within the next two years, prompting the government to seek assistance from United Nations agencies.

The floods have also created difficulties for banks and financial institutions, including potential challenges in loan recovery and the management of excess liquidity. The government plans to develop long-term reconstruction and resilient development strategies for disaster-affected and high-risk areas.

The PDNA will further verify information obtained through the initial damage assessment conducted through the Rapid Damage Needs Assessment mechanism. Officials have emphasized the need for cooperation among the government, private sector and civil society for long-term reconstruction and resilient development.