Evaluation of economic loss of urban road flooding: A case of Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Abstract

This paper analyzes the causes of urban road flooding and evaluates the economic cost borne by the business houses on either side of Putalisadak road section of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal as a resultant of the flood during 2018 monsoon. The calculation of losses included direct, indirect, fixed and variable cost based on before-during-after flood framework through the in-person interview conducted with systematically selected business houses in flooded studied area. The storm water runoff quantity at extreme rainfall condition exceeds the drainage discharge capacity and further gutter clogging with waste triggered the overflow of sewer mixed water causing road flood. The annual economic cost of flooding was estimated to be USD 65,579.99. Result shows that the loss of businesses depend upon the extent of vulnerability of materials towards flood and the coping strategies of the business holders. The businesses with less material damage was found to be adopting coping strategies like elevating the ground level of shops and putting glasses in the front door to prevent damages caused by water. Ironically, such urban road flooding is underrated by the Government and concerned authorities as such flood seems to be smaller in front of big river floods in Nepal. But there are huge and unseen losses due to urban floods. It is recommended that the drainage capacity should be enhanced and regularly maintained to mitigate urban flood disaster.