KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) of the damage caused by the Bhote Koshi flood accurately reflects the situation on the ground.
Wagle issued the directive during a discussion held at the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday with officials from the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the World Bank’s Nepal office.
The meeting focused on comparing the preliminary assessments prepared separately by an NPC task force through the RDNA process and the World Bank through the Global Rapid Damage Estimation (GRADE).
Wagle stressed that an accurate assessment of the physical damage and recovery needs would be essential for effective reconstruction and rehabilitation. He said the RDNA and GRADE assessments should be grounded in factual information so they can serve as reliable national documents, support sound government decisions and help mobilize investment for reconstruction.
The NPC is preparing a preliminary report assessing the physical and human impact of the flood, while the World Bank has already completed an initial damage assessment. Tuesday’s discussion was aimed at verifying the preliminary findings and developing a common initial assessment.
The meeting was attended by NPC Vice-Chair Dr. Gunakar Bhatta and other senior officials.
Officials said the physical damage has been assessed under four broad categories for the RDNA: social, productive, infrastructure and intersectoral sectors.
The social sector covers damage to private buildings and structures, as well as public infrastructure in education, health and cultural heritage. The productive sector includes losses in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, finance and other economic activities.
The infrastructure category covers damage to hydropower projects and transmission lines, household green energy systems, roads, bridges, telecommunications, environmental health, irrigation and river management infrastructure.
The fourth category, classified as an intersectoral issue, includes the assessment of accumulated debris and hazardous waste in flood-affected areas.
The government plans to release a joint RDNA report by consolidating the findings of the NPC and the World Bank. The NPC, under the coordination of Joint Secretary Arjun Bhandari, is preparing the report with representatives from relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
The government will use the findings of the joint assessment to guide relief efforts, identify sources of investment and plan reconstruction and rehabilitation activities.
Comment