Hailstorm causes Rs 50 million loss to Rautahat’s brick industry

KATHMANDU: Severe winds and hailstorms on the first day of the Nepali month of Baisakh have wreaked havoc on the brick industry in Rautahat, causing an estimated loss of nearly Rs 50 million.

The damage primarily affected raw bricks that were being prepared for baking in the kilns.

This latest blow follows a similar storm last year on Chait 9, which also resulted in a loss of Rs 40 million.

The destruction of these raw bricks has left local brick manufacturers struggling financially.

Mohan Sah, Secretary of the Brick Producers Association of Rautahat, reported that 42 brick industries across the district have been severely affected. “The economic downturn has already led to the closure of many brick industries, and the continuous natural disasters are making it even harder for businesses to survive,” Sah said. “If this damage persists, it will be impossible for us to keep the industries running.”

According to Sah, nearly 150,000 raw bricks were damaged by the hailstorm while being prepared in the kilns.

This massive loss has added up to nearly Rs 50 million in damages.

Shiekh Asab, a local brick entrepreneur, explained that the raw bricks ruined by the hail are no longer marketable. “Even a slight blemish on a brick makes it unattractive once baked, and customers now demand perfectly clean bricks,” he added.

As the economic slump continues, the sale of bricks has plummeted, leading to the closure of many factories in the area.

Of the 166 kilns operating in the district, only 42 are still functioning, highlighting the severe impact of both the economic downturn and the relentless natural disasters.