Antalya:Delays in delivering climate disaster funding are 'not justified' when devastated communities urgently need support, Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stated during the UN climate summit COP31.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Khanal expressed concern over additional approval requirements that could delay the disbursement of funds, despite the provisional allocation of $21.6 million from the Loss and Damage Fund announced in late October. He emphasized the urgency of receiving resources immediately after disasters to provide relief and rebuild affected areas.

Khanal described the allocation as a historic step but noted the process took almost two months after the August floods in Nepal, and further procedures could delay actual fund transfer for several months. He urged for financial mechanisms that provide assistance immediately after disasters, bypassing lengthy approval processes.

Nepal's plea follows a significant rock-and-ice collapse in the Langtang region, resulting in a surge of water, mud, and debris through the Nepal-China border, causing over 1,451 deaths and leaving 5,745 missing in Nepal. The disaster highlighted gaps in hazard monitoring and regional cooperation, which Khanal said needs to be addressed.

Khanal estimated that Nepal requires about $5 billion for reconstruction and additional support for future emergencies, stressing the high threat of similar disasters in mountain communities. As governments convene at COP31 to negotiate climate policies, Khanal is advocating for the recognition of mountain vulnerabilities in these decisions.

Nepal, along with Bhutan, has proposed a dedicated mountain agenda item, seeking research and technical assistance to better understand climate change impacts in mountain regions. Despite the proposal not being formally adopted, Khanal noted assurances from the conference presidency to engage with Nepal's delegation on these issues.