Continuous downpour sparks catastrophic flooding and landslides in Nepal, highlighting climate change vulnerabilities

KATHMANDU: Recent heavy downpours over the past two days have caused widespread devastation in Nepal, resulting in severe flooding and landslides across multiple regions. The relentless rain has left communities vulnerable, destroying infrastructure, displacing thousands of people, and taking lives. This tragic event is part of an increasingly concerning pattern that links extreme weather events to climate change, posing significant environmental challenges for the Himalayan nation.

Continuous Rainfall and Its Immediate Impact

Nepal witnessed heavy rainfall over the course of two days, with various districts, especially in the hilly and mountainous regions, being hit hard by floods and landslides. The Terai region, known as the country’s agricultural hub, has experienced severe flooding, submerging thousands of hectares of farmland, putting local food security at risk. Meanwhile, landslides in hilly areas such as Sindhupalchowk,  Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Dolakha, Kavre, Ramechhap, Sindhuli, Dhading and Gorkha have blocked roads, isolated villages, and destroyed homes.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, rivers such as the Koshi, Narayani, and Karnali have swollen dangerously, threatening communities situated along their banks. The floodwaters have washed away bridges, disrupted transportation, and cut off access to essential services in many remote areas. The local government has deployed rescue teams, but efforts have been hampered by the ongoing rainfall and difficult terrain.

Climate Change and the Increasing Frequency of Extreme Weather Events

In recent years, Nepal has seen an uptick in extreme weather events, particularly during the monsoon season. Environmentalists and climate experts attribute this surge to the effects of climate change. The continuous two days of downpour and subsequent flooding and landslides serve as a stark reminder of how climate change is affecting weather patterns across the region.

Nepal, situated between two of the world’s most populous countries—India and China—is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to its unique geography. The country’s mountainous terrain and fragile ecosystems make it susceptible to landslides, while its low-lying plains in the south are prone to flooding. This makes Nepal one of the countries most affected by climate change, despite its relatively low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Global climate models suggest that the Himalayan region is warming at a faster rate than the global average. This warming leads to increased glacial melt, more intense monsoon rains, and prolonged periods of drought, all of which exacerbate the risk of natural disasters. Floods and landslides, such as those triggered by the recent heavy rains, are becoming more frequent and more severe as climate change accelerates.

Landslides: A Growing Threat to Hilly Regions

Landslides have become a recurring hazard in Nepal, especially in regions with steep slopes and fragile soil. The continuous rainfall over the past two days has saturated the soil, triggering landslides in several districts. Sindhupalchowk, which has been one of the worst-hit districts, experienced multiple landslides, burying houses and blocking vital roadways.

This increased frequency of landslides can also be linked to deforestation, poor land management practices, and unplanned urbanization. Many communities living in high-risk areas have been forced to settle on unstable slopes due to limited access to safe land, increasing their vulnerability to natural disasters.

The Environmental Cost of Floods and Landslides

The environmental impact of the recent floods and landslides is profound. Floodwaters have damaged ecosystems, washing away soil, vegetation, and wildlife habitats. Rivers swollen by the continuous rains have caused significant erosion, depositing silt and debris in farmlands and water bodies, which can have long-lasting effects on agriculture and water quality.

Landslides have further exacerbated the problem by stripping hillsides of vegetation, destabilizing ecosystems, and reducing the land’s ability to absorb rainwater. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of future landslides and contributes to a vicious cycle of environmental degradation.

In addition to the immediate loss of life and property, the floods and landslides have far-reaching environmental consequences, including the loss of biodiversity, soil fertility, and forest cover. These disasters also release large amounts of carbon stored in soil and vegetation, further contributing to climate change.

Government Response and Challenges

The Nepali government has mobilized its disaster response teams, including the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and local volunteers, to provide emergency relief to affected communities. Helicopters have been deployed to rescue stranded individuals in remote areas, while makeshift shelters have been set up to house displaced families.

Despite these efforts, there are significant challenges in providing timely and effective relief. The ongoing rain, damaged infrastructure, and difficult terrain make it hard for rescue teams to reach some of the worst-affected areas. Moreover, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources, with shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies reported in many regions.

Climate change has also complicated disaster preparedness and response. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, Nepal’s ability to cope with these disasters is increasingly strained. While the country has made progress in improving its disaster response systems, more needs to be done to build resilience in the face of climate change.

Long-Term Implications and the Need for Climate Action

The recent floods and landslides highlight the urgent need for Nepal to prioritize climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, it is crucial for the country to invest in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, improve land-use practices to reduce landslide risk, and enhance early warning systems for floods and landslides.

On a global scale, Nepal has been vocal about the need for stronger international climate action. The country is a member of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), advocating for greater financial and technical support from developed nations to help vulnerable countries like Nepal adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The government has also implemented several policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development, including the National Climate Change Policy and the National Adaptation Plan. However, there is a need for greater investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, community-based disaster management programs, and conservation efforts to protect the country’s fragile ecosystems.