Government Begins Survey to Relocate Flood Victims to Temporary Homes

The government has started a comprehensive survey to assess the needs and preferences of citizens displaced by the Bhote Koshi River flood and currently staying in holding centers across several districts. The initiative aims to facilitate their relocation from emergency holding centers to separate temporary accommodations for individual families within the next few weeks. The Department of Urban Development and Building Construction under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development has deployed technical teams to the affected districts to collect data using the KoBoToolbox digital platform. The teams are conducting a needs assessment covering the current condition of affected families, the extent of damage to their homes, and their immediate requirements. The survey includes details on affected individuals and households, whether homes have been completely or partially damaged, the number of family members who died or remain missing, and the preferred housing option. Authorities are also assessing the availability of land, suitable and safe relocation options, drinking water, sanitation, hygiene and other essential needs. According to the department, the first phase of the survey is being conducted on an accelerated basis, with the aim of identifying the needs of all families currently staying in holding centers within one week. Once the holding-center assessment is completed, the government plans to survey affected families staying with relatives or in other locations using the same digital system. The data collected through the survey will serve as a basis for the government’s temporary housing, relocation and broader rehabilitation plan for flood-affected families.