Rasuwa Flood Sweeps Away Bank Branches, Cuts Contact With Insurers, Damages Hydropower Plants
Kathmandu — The flood in Rasuwa has disrupted communications with insurance companies, banks, hydropower projects and other offices operating in the area.
There is still no confirmed information on the extent of damage caused to the offices of insurance companies and banks. The Ministry of Energy, however, is collecting data on the damage caused to hydropower projects.
The branches of one non-life insurance company and two life insurance companies operating in Rasuwa have been out of contact, although company officials say they have been able to establish contact with some of their employees.
Deep Prakash Pandey, CEO of Shikhar Insurance, told Beema Post that employees of the company’s branch in Ghumti, Rasuwa, remain in contact. “At a time of crisis, our priority is not the physical condition of the office but the safety of our employees,” he said. He added that contact with the branch office itself has not yet been established.
Santosh Koirala, president of the Nepal Bankers’ Association, said that nine bank branches operating in the flood-affected area had their buildings and physical infrastructure swept away or completely damaged by the flood.
According to him, more than half of the employees working at bank offices in the affected areas have still not been contacted.
Similarly, contact has not been established with the branch offices of Asian Life and Nepal Life, although sources at the companies said their employees are safe. Among the banks, branch offices of NIC Asia Bank and Himalayan Bank were also swept away by the flood.
According to the authorities, the flood damaged the Rasuwagadhi, Chilime and Trishuli 3A hydropower projects, as well as the 220 kV substation at the Trishuli 3B hub. The Trishuli and Devighat hydropower projects and various distribution structures were also affected by the flood.
Although the full extent of damage to banks, insurance companies, hydropower projects and other businesses has not yet been determined, some companies have reportedly been able to establish contact with their employees.
The authorities have urged all concerned parties to immediately mobilize effectively for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas. As the risk of flooding remains, the public and officials in areas near rivers and streams, riverbanks and other vulnerable locations have also been urged to remain highly vigilant. Authorities have further requested the public not to believe unverified news or rumors and to rely only on official information.