KATHMANDU, May 15: The preliminary estimate for the reconstruction of structures damaged due to the three recent earthquakes that occurred at various times is Rs 63.58 billion. 

The preliminary damage assessment conducted by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) determined the damage worth approximately Rs 58 billion and the reconstruction is estimated to cost over Rs 63.5 billion. 

Chief of NDRRMA, Policy, Planning and Monitoring Division, Bharat Mani Pandey said the required process for the reconstruction has been moved ahead after carrying out the preliminary study. 

On November 3, 2023, an earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale and with an epicentre at Ramidanda, Jajarkot district claimed the lives of 154 people while 366 others were injured. A temblor measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale hit Bajhang on October 3, 2023, killing one person and injuring 30. Before this, on November 8, 2022, an earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale struck Doti, resulting in the death of six people and injuries to eight others.

According to NDRRMA report, these three earthquakes damaged 95,787 houses. The damage to this many houses is estimated to be worth Rs 43.39 billion. Apart from this, 204 school buildings, 70 government and public buildings, 11 cultural heritages, nearly 200 kilometers of road and 121 irrigation projects were damaged in the earthquakes. 

Among the three latest quakes, the one in Jajarkot caused the largest human and property damage. More than 86,000 houses were damaged in this disaster alone.

The NDRRMA preliminary assessment estimated the total cost of Rs 63.58 billion for the reconstruction of different sectors- Rs 52.46 billion for the reconstruction of private houses, government buildings, and health, education and cultural buildings, Rs 7.18 billion for the reconstruction of other infrastructure sectors and Rs 1.73 billion for the enterprises sector.  

NDRRMA Executive Chief Anil Pokharel shared that reconstruction activities would be forwarded as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee chaired by the Home Minister had already approved the 'Retrofitting, Reconstruction and Resettlement Grant Procedure for Private Houses of Disaster Affected, 2081'.

This time, the beneficiaries would be categorized as 'A', 'B' and 'C' and housing reconstruction activities would be forwarded. 

Much responsibility has been given to the local levels in the procedure. The local-level would keep a preliminary record of the damage. The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee would identify the beneficiaries by reviewing the details received from the local level. Thereafter, an agreement would be reached between beneficiaries and ward chairpersons. 

A procedure has been prepared to complete reconstruction within two years after signing the agreement.

RSS