Nepal, Sept. 2 -- The damage from the August 26 flooding in the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river corridor is immense. As the assessments unfold, an increasingly bleak picture is emerging. From vital infrastructure like roads, schools and health posts to private houses, thousands of properties were swept away by the disaster within minutes, not to mention the precious lives of hundreds.

An assessment by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority paints a staggering picture, estimating that around 1.6 million people have been affected. Satellite mapping has identified 4,689 buildings within the affected zone along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli corridor. The flood also destroyed or damaged critical infrastructure: 41 motorable bridges...