Nepal is dealing with the aftermath of severe floods that have caused major damage to infrastructure and displaced thousands of people, all while the country is in the midst of political change. Two weeks ago, flash floods overwhelmed settlements, damaged hydropower projects, and left thousands of homes in need of repair. Approximately 7,500 homes were destroyed, and another 20,000 require rebuilding. At least 12 hydropower projects were also damaged. The estimated cost of the damage is $2.56 billion, a significant amount for a country with a total annual budget of $14 billion. This crisis comes at a difficult time for Nepal, which has just emerged from a year of political turmoil following protests that led to the collapse of the previous government. The new government, led by Prime Minister Balen Shah, who took office in March, now faces the challenge of rebuilding the country and restoring political stability. Shah, a 36-year-old former mayor of Kathmandu and political outsider, was chosen by voters after a period of unrest that began last September. Youth-led protests over corruption and a social media ban turned violent, with security forces opening fire on demonstrators and government buildings being set on fire. The former prime minister resigned, and the country was left under a caretaker government before Shah's party won a decisive victory in March. The floods have tested the new government’s ability to manage a crisis of this scale. So far, the government has mobilized the military, police, helicopters, and medical teams to assist with evacuations and relief efforts. However, blocked roads, debris-filled hydropower tunnels, and a lack of specialized equipment and trained personnel have hindered access to remote areas. Many of the government’s leaders are new to national governance, and this lack of experience has made the response more difficult. The damage from the floods has already been significant, with over 1,300 people reported dead in Nepal and Tibet, and around 5,000 still missing. The cost of rebuilding is expected to be between $4 billion and $5 billion, placing additional pressure on a government already tasked with funding schools, hospitals, jobs, and new investments. Nepal has sought international aid, including from the United Nations, and several countries have provided emergency supplies and support. However, officials say much more assistance is needed to rebuild the country. The disaster has also highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure that can withstand increasingly extreme weather conditions. Nepal is particularly vulnerable due to its geography, with many people and structures located in steep valleys below unstable mountain slopes. While the country has made progress in reducing its environmental impact, including increasing forest cover and using clean energy, it remains highly exposed to climate-related risks. International support is seen as essential to help Nepal cope with these challenges.