KATHMANDU, June 1: Almost two months after a tornado struck the heart of the central Tarai in Bara and Parsa districts of Nepal on March 31, leaving many dead, injured, displaced and homeless, reconstruction is picking up pace.
After the disaster, reconstruction pledges were made by the government which later released Rs 846.8 million to Nepal Army (NA) to rebuild 1,453 affected homes before the monsoon. The Province 2 Chief Minister Relief Fund also raised over Rs 40 million and the provincial government pledged Rs 300,000 to each family with a deceased member. The NA has begun its reconstruction work, which it plans to finish in 3 phases before mid-August.
Bridging Data Gaps for Effective Development Policy in Nepal
In addition to the alienation of some victims with 'fully damaged' houses from the final list of houses to be rebuilt, there also seems to be no action plan for the houses with partial and minor damages. Consequently, several victims have been left to their own means.
Non-governmental organization (NGO) Sano Paila, with the help of its partners, launched its “Rebuilding Bara” fundraising campaign soon after the first response needs were met. They responded to assist the authorities in the relief efforts by providing emergency supplies and mobilizing volunteers. The organization claimed to have provided solar lamps to around 100 families, established two units of 1KW of solar lighting and charging system, and organized temporary classes at three primary schools in the disaster zones.
The NGO has raised around Rs 500,000 so far from several local donors which it plans to use to rebuild several affected houses missing in the government's list.
