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Nepal

Nepal: HRRP Bulletin (31 October 2024)

Attachments

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

I. September Flooding: Nepal government declares 71 local units of 20 districts as disaster crisis zones

II. Review of Monsoon 2024: Nepal witnessed excessive rainfall resulting in flash floods and landslides in Kathmandu valley as well as its adjoining districts

III. National Climate Summit held in Kathmandu to raise voice ‘from mountains to sea’ at COP 29

IV. APMCDRR brought together a wide range of stakeholders to accelerate progress in reducing disaster risk

V. APSSF highlights key best practices and lessons in post-disaster housing recovery across the Asia-Pacific Region

VI. World Habitat Day marked with a focus on engaging youth for thriving cities VII. IDDRR 2024 focused on empowering youths as the foundation for a culture of disaster preparedness

KEY GOVERNMENTAL UPDATES

September Flooding: Nepal government declares 71 local units of 20 districts as disaster crisis zones

In the face of widespread destruction caused by rainfall-induced flood and landslide tragedy of September 2024, the Government of Nepal swung into action to coordinate relief and rescue operations, providing immediate assistance to those affected. The district and municipal administration worked tirelessly to ensure that emergency resources reached the hardest-hit areas, demonstrating a level of preparedness and responsiveness.

Recognizing the immense need for rehabilitation and recovery, the government allocated NRs. 430 million to support local levels in rebuilding their communities. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting on 18th October (2nd Kartik), following recommendations from the NDRRMA’s 27th Executive Committee Meeting held on 17th October (1st Kartik). Rt. Honorable Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also directed relevant agencies and the three levels of government—federal, provincial and local—to expedite relief distribution and reconstruction efforts: News source: declaration of disaster-crisis zones

The government had already declared the 71 local units of 20 districts as the ‘disaster crisis zones’ for three months, through the Cabinet decision of 4th October, after the eastern and central region of the country was hit hard by the rainfall induced landslides and flood from 26th -28th September. The affected districts were categorized into three groups: severely affected, affected and generally affected. Based on this classification, local levels in severely affected districts will receive up to NRs. 10 million in grants, while those in affected districts will receive NRs. 7.5 million, and generally affected local bodies will receive NRs. 5 million. This financial support is aimed at facilitating the reconstruction of damaged homes and infrastructure, with funds being distributed through local levels as identified by the NDRRMA.

Additionally, the government announced a relief package for families who lost their nearest family members, ensuring they receive the financial support they desperately need during these difficult times. This prompt decision to release funds for reconstruction and relief underscores the government's commitment to providing timely assistance to its citizens and rebuilding stronger, more resilient communities.

At the 14th National Council Meeting of NDRRMA, Rt Honorable Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli proposed holding another international summit with donor partners and countries to expedite the reconstruction of the thousands of homes damaged by the disaster. Council meeting held on 18th October (2nd Kartik) also established deadlines for the commencement of all reconstruction and recovery work related to damaged infrastructure. As per the decisions, temporary housing construction must be completed by mid-November 2024, essential services must be operational within 15 days, and a detailed damage assessment (DDA) must be conducted immediately within 15 days to accelerate the reconstruction of public infrastructure and private homes. Detail news: Decisions of National Council Meeting Decisions of 27th Executive Committee Meeting of NDRRMA Government's solidarity in disaster management Damages from September disasters in Nepal