New Delhi, Sept. 9 -- The losses come at a challenging time for the Himalayan nation, which is emerging from a year of political upheaval after an uprising toppled the previous government. The new administration must now repair damaged infrastructure and restore political stability. At the same time, it faces a bigger challenge in developing a more resilient country as climate change increases Nepal's exposure to extreme weather events.

"It is a wasteland out there. The rebuilding is not going to be easy," said Sumnima Udas, a member of Parliament and chairperson of a committee on international relations and tourism.

The disaster is an early test for 36-year-old Prime Minister Balen Shah, who took office in March after months of politic...