Kathmandu, Sept. 10 -- The government estimates that Rs723.31 billion will be needed to rebuild areas devastated by the August 26 Bhotekoshi river floods.

The figures are based on a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) carried out by a joint team led by the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

Infrastructure suffered the heaviest damage, with Rs473.57 billion estimated to be required for recovery and reconstruction in the sector.

Energy and roads were among the worst-hit parts of the infrastructure network. The floods affected 13 hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 759 megawatts and five solar plants with a combined capacity of 24 MW.

The assessment estimates t...