Bhotekoshi flood losses to private property have now been put at Rs 79.17 billion, according to preliminary findings from a household survey by the National Planning Commission (NPC). The figure covers homes, land, businesses and other private assets damaged when floods struck the Rasuwagadhi-Bhotekoshi area on August 26. For anyone planning to build a house near a river in Nepal, the numbers are a clear reminder that where you build matters as much as how you build.
What happened
As reported by Onlinekhabar English on October 26, the NPC released early results from the household survey it is carrying out for a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). The Cabinet decided on August 28 to prepare a PDNA report, including estimates of financial needs and a reconstruction plan. The commission then prepared questionnaires and sent 58 teams, with 156 technical and administrative staff, to collect data across 15 local units in Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dhading and Gorkha districts. The Rising Nepal said the teams used tablets and an online application to record the information.
The NPC stressed that the Bhotekoshi flood losses figures are preliminary. Data is still being processed, and the estimate does not include damage to roads, hydropower projects, or the productive, social and environmental sectors.
Key details of the Bhotekoshi flood losses
- Total private losses: Rs 79.17 billion, of which Rs 69.57 billion is household property and Rs 9.60 billion is businesses and other establishments. Households carry about 88 per cent of the damage.
- People and households: 32,872 people were directly affected, along with 6,817 households. Nuwakot was hit hardest, with 17,954 people affected, followed by Rasuwa (9,676), Dhading (4,584) and Gorkha (658).
- Land: The largest single loss. About 508 hectares of land owned by 3,610 households was damaged, valued at Rs 35.44 billion.
- House plots and buildings: Land under privately owned homes lost an estimated Rs 13.26 billion in value, and the money invested in building construction accounted for another Rs 11.95 billion.
- Structures: The survey recorded damage to 4,151 buildings and other structures, including 2,702 houses. About 72 per cent (2,989 structures) were completely destroyed and 508 were buried under soil and mud. Around 77 per cent were judged unusable, and only 97 were fit to live in without repairs.
- Other assets: Losses also include Rs 5.02 billion in cash, valuables and cultural items, Rs 1.45 billion in permanent household goods, and Rs 1.24 billion in vehicles.
Why Bhotekoshi flood losses matter for homeowners in Nepal
The most striking point is that land, not buildings, made up the biggest share of the Bhotekoshi flood losses. When a river changes course or dumps debris, the plot itself can be washed away or buried. No amount of strong concrete can save a house if the ground beneath it disappears. That is why plot selection is the first and most important step in any house project.
The second lesson is about savings, since a house is usually a family’s largest investment. The survey puts the lost value of building construction alone at Rs 11.95 billion. For many families, that money comes from years of remittances and loans. Losing both the house and the land leaves a family with nothing to rebuild on.
The Bhotekoshi flood losses also show how one disaster can affect roads, power projects and local markets together. We covered one example in our report on the Upper Trishuli-1 force majeure notice after flood damage on the same river system.
What to do next if you are building near a river
- Check the flood history of the plot. Ask older neighbours how high the water has risen, and look for old flood marks, sand deposits or boulders on the land.
- Keep a safe distance from the river bank. Ask your municipality about setback rules for rivers and streams before you buy land or apply for a naksa.
- Get a soil and site check. A qualified engineer can tell you whether the ground is filled river sediment, which can erode or settle quickly.
- Raise the plinth and plan drainage. On low land, a higher plinth and proper drains reduce the risk of mud and water entering the house.
- Budget for safety, not just size. Use our house construction cost calculator to see how a stronger foundation or a better plot changes your total budget.
- Keep documents safe. Store land papers, permits and house photos safely so you can prove any damage, a gap the Bhotekoshi flood losses survey shows is real.
FAQ
How much were the Bhotekoshi flood losses?
The NPC’s preliminary household survey puts private-property losses at Rs 79.17 billion: Rs 69.57 billion for households and Rs 9.60 billion for businesses.
Does the Rs 79.17 billion figure include roads and hydropower?
No. The commission said the estimate covers private assets only. Damage to roads, hydropower projects and other public infrastructure is not included.
Which districts were covered by the survey?
The survey covered 15 local units in Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dhading and Gorkha. Nuwakot recorded the highest number of affected people.
Is this the final damage report?
No. The NPC said the figures are preliminary and that it is still working on the full Post-Disaster Needs Assessment report.
Source: Onlinekhabar English, October 26, 2026. Additional reference: The Rising Nepal (RSS), October 27, 2026 and the National Planning Commission.
Featured image: “River in Rasuwa” by Krish Dulal, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.