KATHMANDU:- The floods triggered by the downpour on October 3 and 4 caused significant damage to energy, water resources and irrigation infrastructure across the country. According to the preliminary estimates from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, the losses amount to millions of rupees.   

At a press meet here today, Minister Kulman Ghising said the damage to around 1,500 meters of embankment alone is estimated to have cost Rs 100 million.

In Jhapa, the flooded Kankai River eroded the segments of the Postal Highway in Gaurigunj-2, causing the inundation of around 114 houses at Hoklabari.

Floodwaters also damaged the paddy fields covering about 500 hectares. The erosion of a 200-meter embankment at Kuwadi of Jhapa rural municipality-2 has caused a preliminary loss of Rs 7.5 million.

Similarly, the Mechi River inflicted losses of around Rs five million as it damaged spurs at various locations.

Likewise, the Biratnagar-based Keshaliya River caused an inundation, forcing the evacuation of 75 families. The embankment along the Kamala River towards the east bank suffered damages of around Rs 2.5 million, it is said.

In Rautahat, around 60-meter embankment along the right bank of the Lalbakaiya River has been washed away along with the paddy fields spanning nearly 100 hectares. In Baudimai village, around 120 meters of embankment was washed away. The inundation of paddy fields covering about 200 hectares, houses, and sheds caused the losses worth Rs six million.

In Mahottari, the Ratu River washed away parts of its river embankment, reporting the preliminary losses equivalent to Rs 80 million. As the Minister said, a timely response helped prevent further damage to the irrigation system.

The flooded Sunkoshi River has inundated the under-construction barrage under the Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project. (RSS)