A scientific analysis has revealed that human-induced climate change intensified the recent floods in Nepal, contributing to a 10 percent increase in rainfall severity. The floods, which occurred in late September, led to significant loss of life and property, emphasizing the urgent need for improved urban planning and flood management to protect Nepali citizens from future incidents.
Recent research has determined that human-induced climate change has exacerbated the intensity of rainfall in Nepal, with September’s devastating floods—resulting in over 240 fatalities—attributed to rainfall that was approximately 10 percent more severe due to these climatic changes. Conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA), this swift analysis emphasizes the critical necessity for Nepal to curtail development in vulnerable, low-lying areas to safeguard residents from future flooding incidents. The floods, which began after three days of intense rainfall starting September 26, led to record levels of precipitation in central and eastern Nepal, resulting in over 320 mm of rain in certain locations on September 28. This unprecedented weather event caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction of property. Reports indicate that more than 50 individuals perished in Kathmandu alone, a city that has witnessed unparalleled flooding, particularly devastating due to its rapid urban development around the Bagmati river. The WWA researchers have strongly advocated for limiting construction in flood-prone zones, which would significantly decrease the risk to citizens. Enhanced early warning systems and prompt, informed responses are also recommended to mitigate future flooding disasters. The study involved the collaboration of 20 experts from various institutions across several countries, including Nepal, India, Sweden, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Mariam Zachariah from the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London asserted, “If the atmosphere wasn’t overloaded with fossil fuel emissions, these floods would have been less intense, less destructive, and less deadly.” Furthermore, Roshan Jha from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay remarked, “Clearly, climate change is no longer a distant threat in Asia.”
The recent floods in Nepal mark a significant climate event, driven largely by human-induced climate change. As global temperatures rise due to greenhouse gas emissions, the atmosphere can retain more moisture, leading to more intense precipitation events. Flooding not only claims lives but also causes extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas like Kathmandu, which is situated within a vulnerable valley. The testimony from various experts highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to address both the implications of climate change and urban planning in order to reduce susceptibility to extreme weather events.
In summary, the catastrophic floods that have impacted Nepal illustrate the direct link between climate change and increased weather extremes. With at least 240 lives lost and significant destruction of property, these floods underscore the necessity for improved urban planning and flood preparedness. Enhanced early warning systems and restrictions on development in flood-prone areas are essential measures recommended by scientists to protect communities from future disasters.
Original Source: theprint.in
