Key Takeaways:

• 1,669 hectares of paddy fields damaged, with 5,843 tonnes of rice lost; crop damage estimated at Rs1.09 billion
• Vegetable farming hit, with 137 hectares affected and 1,843 tonnes lost; Bidur in Nuwakot worst affected
• Livestock losses Rs1.11 billion, with 252,445 animals and birds affected; buffaloes accounted for 41% of losses
• Buffaloes, goats and cows made up 92.3% of livestock losses, underscoring impact on larger animals

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 14 The August 26 flash floods in the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system damaged 1,669 hectares of paddy fields and wiped out an estimated 5,843 tonnes of rice production, according to a government damage assessment. A Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) jointly prepared by the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority estimated total crop damage at Rs 1.09 billion (USD 7.22 million). The estimate includes damage to standing crops and the impact on production in subsequent seasons. Vegetable farming was also hit, with 137 hectares affected and 1,843 tonnes of produce lost. Bidur in Nuwakot was the worst affected, with 98 hectares damaged and 1,323 tonnes lost. Paddy losses were particularly high in Nuwakot, where 700 hectares in Bidur alone were affected, resulting in a potential production loss of 2,450 tonnes. In Dhading, paddy fields covering 245 hectares across Benighat Rorang, Gajuri, Siddhalek and Galchhi were affected. In Rasuwa, 140 hectares in Gosaikunda and 143 hectares in Uttargaya were impacted. The livestock and poultry sector suffered Rs1.11 billion in losses, with 252,445 animals and birds affected. Poultry accounted for 214,827 animals (85.1%), but losses were relatively low at Rs53.7 million (4.8%). The heaviest losses were recorded among larger livestock. The loss of 4,572 buffaloes was estimated at Rs457.2 million, accounting for 41% of livestock losses. Losses involving goats and mountain goats stood at Rs391.3 million, while cows and oxen losses amounted to Rs179.2 million. Together, buffaloes, goats and cows accounted for 92.3% of total livestock losses.