DPM Shrestha pledges to restore flood-hit Kagbeni with much priority

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has said the government prioritised the rebuilding of the flood-damaged Kagbeni settlement in Mustang.

During his inspection of the flood-ravaged Kagbeni settlement at Varagung Muktichhetrai rural municipality-4 in Mustang today, the Deputy Prime minister pledged to undertake the reconstruction efforts targeting the village with high priority. The settlement experienced significant damages from the flooded Kaagkhola stream on August 13.

Moreover, according to the Minister, the government will seek ways to minimise risks from the water-induced depositions on the bank of Kaligandaki River.

As he said, the matter of operating the Korola checkpoint along the Nepal-China border will be on the agenda of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s upcoming visit to the northern neighbour.

In addition to this, the government is working on possibilities to ensure uninterrupted transport service along the Beni-Jomsom-Korola road. He also assured of convening the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure including roads, bridges, drinking water, electricity and irrigation projects promptly.

On the occasion, the Minister had sat for discussions with the local government, administration and security bodies about the post-disaster situation at Kagbeni. It damaged roadways, motorable bridges, monasteries, temples, community buildings, police posts, hotels, river embankments and so on.

The preliminary estimation is that Kagebeni incurred a loss of over Rs one billion in the flooding. Over 50 houses were significantly damaged by the flood, resulting in property losses exceeding Rs 520 million, according to the local government. Among these, 29 were completely destroyed while 15 houses experienced partial damage during the flood that killed 24 animals.