Nepal seeks $20 million from UN Loss and Damage Fund after August floods

Kathmandu has formally appealed for climate‑justice compensation from the United Nations‑backed Loss and Damage Fund, Environment Minister Geeta Chaudhary told Deutsche Welle, as Nepal continues to grapple with the aftermath of the catastrophic floods that struck the country in August. The extreme weather event, attributed to climate change by scientists, caused widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure and agricultural lands, leaving thousands displaced and the national economy strained.

Chaudhary emphasized that the Loss and Damage Fund, established to aid vulnerable nations in recovering from climate‑induced disasters, should provide immediate financial support to rebuild affected communities and strengthen resilience against future events. The minister’s request aligns with broader calls from developing countries for equitable access to the fund, while the UN is currently reviewing eligibility criteria and disbursement mechanisms. Nepal’s appeal underscores the growing urgency for international mechanisms that address the tangible costs of climate change.