Kathmandu, September 10
The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage has responded to Nepal’s request for emergency financial assistance following the devastating floods in Rasuwa.
Nepal had written to the board of the UN climate change-related fund on September 1, arguing that climate change had contributed to the floods that struck Rasuwa on August 26 and requesting immediate financial support. Government officials said the board’s response was received a week later.
In its letter dated September 10, the fund’s board said consultations and coordination were underway to respond to Nepal’s request for immediate assistance as quickly as possible.
The letter, signed by the fund’s co-chairs Camila Minerva Rodríguez Tavarez and Georg Børsting, recommends that the board consider various options within the existing mandate, structure, framework, policies and procedures of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.
“In this process, we recommend that the Board consider various options within the existing mandate, structure, framework, policies and procedures of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, so that our response can be as swift and meaningful as possible,” the letter states.
The co-chairs also expressed their condolences to the people of Nepal over the loss of life and extensive damage caused by the devastating Bhotekoshi floods, and expressed solidarity with the Nepali people.
Addressing Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle and Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Geeta Chaudhary, the letter also thanked the Nepal government for its readiness to provide preliminary assessments, official data, satellite information and estimates of the damage.
Dr Maheshwar Dhakal, head of the Climate Change Management Division under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment and an alternate member of the fund’s board, described the response as a historic development.
“This letter is extremely important in the history of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. It will lay a foundation for addressing climate-induced loss and damage in developing countries around the world,” said Dhakal.
Nepal seeks $20 million initially
The Rasuwa floods on August 26 have so far claimed 1,377 lives, while 5,130 people remain missing, according to the figures cited by the government. More than 7,500 people have been injured.
A preliminary assessment by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has estimated that the floods caused physical damage worth around Rs 700 billion.
Nepal had sent its request after informal discussions at the international board of the Loss and Damage Fund following the Rasuwa disaster. The letter was signed by Finance Minister Wagle and Agriculture, Forests and Environment Minister Chaudhary.
According to alternate board member Dhakal, discussions at the informal board meetings focused on Nepal seeking more than Rs 3 billion—or $20 million—in compensation.
A government minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Nepal had initially requested $20 million in emergency assistance.
“We have asked for $20 million for now. Once the flood situation is over, we will assess the damage and seek additional funds,” the minister said.
A report published by The New York Times, citing board member Richard Sherman, said the fund could potentially provide Nepal with up to $20 million, equivalent to around Rs 3.04 billion.
Experts have argued that Nepal should receive financial support not only for losses and damages caused by climate-related disasters but also in recognition of its contribution to environmental protection.
Nepal is among the countries with very low carbon dioxide emissions, while it plays an important role in protecting its mountains, forests, vegetation and biodiversity.
Nepal plans to raise issue at UN General Assembly
The issue of the Rasuwa floods is also expected to be raised by Prime Minister Balendra Shah at the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for September 24.
Government ministers said Shah is preparing to travel to the General Assembly himself and raise the issue following the disaster. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal is scheduled to lead Nepal’s delegation to the gathering.
One minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the government had decided that the issue should be raised at the highest political level as Nepal was suffering the consequences of a disaster despite having made a minimal contribution to climate change.
“We have reached the conclusion that the Prime Minister himself should raise this issue at the General Assembly because Nepal is suffering the consequences of something it did not cause. This is the time to strike while the iron is hot for climate justice,” the minister said.
The tenth meeting of the Loss and Damage Fund’s board is scheduled to take place in Manila, the Philippines, in December 2026. The eleventh meeting is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from March 17 to 19, 2027.
