Govt to conduct quake damage assessment in Jajarkot

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 6: The government has decided to carry out a detailed damage assessment (DDA) of the damage caused by the earthquake in the Sudurpaschim region and Jajarkot.

At a meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee held at Singha Durbar on Sunday, it was decided to conduct a DDA of the damage caused by floods and earthquakes in the Sudurpaschim region and Jajarkot.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak said that the meeting also decided to conduct a DDA of the flood and landslide damage that occurred in areas including Kathmandu in September and October.

He also said that the reconstruction work will begin in areas where the DDA has been completed, according to the government’s established guidelines. 

According to him, the meeting also discussed the damage caused by the earthquake in Bajhang, Bajura, and Jajarkot, and the legal and financial matters necessary for reconstruction.

Home Minister Lekhak said that these decisions would be presented at a meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for endorsement and execution. After approval from the Council's meeting, these decisions will proceed to the implementation phase, according to him.

The Preliminary Loss and Damage Assessment of the September 2024 floods and landslides, made public by the NDRRMA, estimated a total loss of Rs. 46.68 billion, reflecting significant disruptions to the physical infrastructure sector, social sectors, and the productive sector.

According to the report, the assessment of physical infrastructure indicates an estimated economic loss of Rs. 38.9 billion. Among these, 41 road sections were damaged, requiring a reconstruction cost of Rs. 27.9 billion.

The floods and landslides in September caused damage to 26 hydropower plants, resulting in a property loss of Rs. 3 billion. During the monsoon disaster period, 44 bridges were completely damaged, leading to a loss of Rs. 10 billion in property.

In total, 249 people lost their lives during the monsoon period, including 113 males, 76 females, and 18 who went missing.