KATHMANDU: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has assured that reconstruction of structures damaged by the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River, Rasuwa, will begin soon.

Speaking at the Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee meeting under the National Assembly held at Singha Durbar on Sunday, Minister Lekhak said that all efforts are currently focused on searching for the missing persons, with reconstruction work set to commence shortly.

He added that search and rescue operations, along with relief distribution, will continue for 10 days, after which emphasis will shift to rebuilding and restoration.

Minister Lekhak also stated that families of those who died in the flood will receive relief as per legal provisions. He reported that 20 people remain missing from Nepal, while 11 others are missing on the Chinese side of the border.

Further, Minister Lekhak noted that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has effectively issued early warnings, and the government is fully prepared for disaster risk management.

Dinesh Prasad Bhatta, Chief Executive Officer of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, informed the committee that the flood has severely damaged the customs area, causing a complete disruption in relations with China.

He said all three security agencies have been deployed to prioritize rescue operations. Bhatt also mentioned that 91 Nepalis stranded in China are being cared for by Chinese authorities, and foreign nationals stranded on the Nepal side have been brought to Kathmandu.

So far, 11 bodies have been recovered, while at least 17 people remain missing, he reported.

During the meeting, committee members stressed the need to provide local governments with adequate resources and responsibilities for effective disaster risk reduction.