Saree became lifeline for 21 Tamil Nadu pilgrims in Nepal flood escape

Nepal anticipates a rebuilding cost between $4 billion and $5 billion following devastating Himalayan floods, according to Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle. This preliminary estimate represents nearly a tenth of the nation's economy, though it is lower than the approximately $9 billion needed for recovery after the 2015 earthquake.

The government is currently conducting a detailed assessment to determine the full extent of the damage and potential reconstruction requirements. Immediate rescue and relief efforts remain the top priority, with international financial support sought once a more definitive estimate is available. The cause of the floods, which saw 626 bodies recovered and around 2,400 people unaccounted for, including fatalities in Tibet, is still under investigation.

Initial findings suggest a massive rock and ice collapse in the high Himalayas triggered the disaster, leading to widespread destruction of infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and hydropower facilities critical to Nepal's economy.