Nearly a year after a catastrophic earthquake in Nepal killed thousands, the government has begun distributing reconstruction money to victims.
Altogether, 641 families from the especially hard-hit Dolakha district have received the first instalment of 50,000 rupees ($A990) out of a promised 200,000 rupees, a member of Nepal's National Reconstruction Authority told DPA on Tuesday.
Nearly 9000 people died and 22,000 were injured in the quake on April 25.
Thousands remain homeless and continue to live in temporary shelters, especially in rural areas.
The international community has promised Nepal $US4.4 billion ($A5.8 billion) for reconstruction.
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During his new year's address on Tuesday, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that providing relief to those affected by the earthquake would be the government's top priority in the coming year.
Turmoil over a new constitution over the past few months has pulled the attention of many politicians away from aid efforts.
