Kathmandu, Oct. 28 -- Insurers have paid just Rs821.39 million, or about 4 percent, of the Rs20.9 billion in claims filed over the Bhotekoshi flood, nearly two months after the disaster, according to the Nepal Insurance Authority. The figures, as of October 16, highlight the slow pace of insurance payouts to policyholders affected by the flood.

Claims initially reached Rs25.87 billion within three to four days of the disaster, based on preliminary estimates submitted before insurers could assess losses on the ground. The total fell to around Rs15 billion to Rs16 billion after assessments began, but rose again as more claims were filed, reaching Rs20.9 billion by October 16. The authority expects the figure to increase further.

Chanki Ch...