TAG: GS-3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT
THE CONTEXT: The recent floods and landslides in Nepal, which have claimed at least 112 lives, highlight the intensifying impact of climate change on extreme weather events in the region. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has linked these disasters to a combination of unusually strong monsoons and unplanned urban development, especially in the Kathmandu Valley, which remains heavily submerged due to the rising Bagmati river.
EXPLANATION:
More about news:
- All over 340 millimetres of rain falling across the region, rivers like the Narayani and Sunkoshi have exceeded safe levels, overwhelming drainage systems and exacerbating flood risks. Rescue operations are underway with the Nepalese government deploying helicopters and boats, but roads remain closed, and flights have been affected, complicating efforts.
What is the reason?
- Climate Change: Scientists point to climate change as a significant factor, with increasing rainfall variability and more intense downpours making the region more vulnerable. Research indicates that Asia, including Nepal, will face the greatest rainfall changes by the century’s end, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events.
- Unplanned Urbanization: Rapid urban development in Kathmandu, particularly in flood-prone areas, has diminished natural flood buffers like wetlands and floodplains. This has resulted in poor drainage and heightened exposure to flooding risks. Unplanned construction has left cities unable to cope with torrential rains, increasing disaster risks.
About International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development:
- It is an intergovernmental knowledge and learning centreworking on behalf of the people of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH).
- It was formally established and inaugurated on 5 December 1983.
- Mission:To build and share knowledge that drives regional policy and action and attracts investment that enables the diverse countries and communities of the HKH to transition to greener, more inclusive, and climate resilient development.
- Member countries– Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
ICIMOD’s Recommendations:
ICIMOD has called for investments in both grey (engineered) and green (nature-based) infrastructure. This includes:
- Grey infrastructure: Improved underground stormwater systems and sewage networks to manage excess water.
- Green infrastructure: Restoring wetlands, implementing permeable pavements, and creating better urban water absorption systems to combat floods.
Broader Implications:
- The Hindu Kush Himalaya region, including Nepal, is increasingly at risk from extreme weather events, as shown by back-to-back heavy monsoons in 2023 and 2024. Studies predict that by 2100, Nepal and its neighbors could be among the top ten most affected countries by extreme rainfall. With 114 of the top 200 provinces at risk of climate damage by 2050 located in Asia, it is clear that disaster preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure are urgently needed.
- While ICIMOD has been working on enhancing early warning systems and improving weather prediction accuracy, experts warn that without better planning and stronger investments in climate adaptation, Nepal will continue to face mounting losses from extreme weather.
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