Kathmandu, 10 September (H.S.): Nepal has sought approximately $20 million in compensation for the damage caused by the devastating floods in Rasuwa, which it attributes to climate change.

Nepal sent a letter last week to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in this regard.

The letter was signed by Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle and Environment Minister Geeta Chaudhary. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said in a podcast that Nepal has sought $20 million from the fund.

In a podcast interview, Foreign Minister Khanal said, “At present, we have claimed compensation of $20 million. This is only an initial demand. After conducting a detailed assessment of the damage following the disaster, we will present the complete situation to the world.”

Nepal is among the countries with extremely low greenhouse gas emissions. Experts say Nepal should receive assistance from the fund not only for the damage caused by the floods but also in view of its contribution to maintaining the global climate balance.

Decisions concerning the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage are taken by its international board. Environmentalists say that, considering both the damage caused by the Rasuwa floods and Nepal's extremely limited contribution to climate change, there should be no obstacle to the country receiving assistance from the fund.

It may be recalled that the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa on August 26 caused extensive loss of life and property.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar