Torrential rain has inflicted losses worth around Rs20 million on seven manufacturing units located inside the Hetauda Industrial Estate. Rain and landslides have caused damage to finished goods, raw materials and various infrastructure at the estate. This has led to closure of factories.

“The loss of around Rs20 million reported so far is a preliminary estimate, as many factories have not submitted report on damage caused by rain and landslides,” Nawaraj Aryal, president of the Industries Association Makwanpur, said.

A six-member committee has been formed to take stock of the damage and losses caused by the latest natural disasters. The committee is made up of three representatives from the Industries Association Makwanpur and three representatives from Hetauda Industrial Estate Management Limited.

As per the initial report, water that leaked into five warehouses of a flour manufacturing company damaged 6,000 tonnes of wheat. These warehouses are located in the low-lying area of the industrial estate.

MM Polymers, another enterprise located in the low-lying area of the industrial estate, also reported damage worth Rs6 million. The damage was caused by water that leaked into the factory.

Shikhar Chemicals, another enterprise located at the industrial estate, also reported damage worth Rs1 million. The damage was caused by landslide. The company is currently removing debris left by the landslide, according to Aryal. “It will take a few more days for the factory to resume operation,” Aryal said.

The landslide also caused harm to Antarctic Biscuit Limited, Shree Ganesh Plastic Industry and Samurai Steels. Floodwater that entered the factory of Galaxy Textiles also damaged yarns worth Rs1 million.

“Yarn is the key raw material for textile production. We have so far not been able to manufacture textile,” Basu Karki, a promoter of Galaxy Textiles, said.

Factories that suffered losses by rain and landslides have not been able to resume operation till date. “This is inflicting losses of over Rs5 million per day,” Aryal said.

Around 82 manufacturing units are located inside Hetauda Industrial Estate.

Earlier, incessant rainfall had inundated around 500 factories located at Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor in the eastern part of the country. This had led to closure of these factories.

Closure of factories at this time of the year inflicts huge losses because this is the period when enterprises raise production to meet the growing demand for goods during Dashain, the biggest festival of Hindus in the country, which is beginning in around a month.

Nepal witnessed torrential rain from August 11-14. This triggered floods and landslides, which affected 31 districts, especially those located in the southern Tarai belt.