Kathmandu, Sept. 21 -- There is considerable interest in how the government will raise international funds to reconstruct and rebuild infrastructure and private and public property damaged by last month's Bhotekoshi floods.

The actual extent of the damage and the cost of reconstruction will be known only after the government completes its post-disaster needs assessment (PDNA). The government, however, has already begun preparations to mobilise funds.

According to a rapid damage needs assessment released in the first week of this month, Nepal will require Rs721.31 billion, or approximately $5 billion, for reconstruction. The National Planning Commission has been entrusted with preparing the PDNA, and its report is expected within a month...