In late September, Nepal experienced devastating floods triggered by extreme rainfall, which was intensified by human-caused climate change. The World Weather Attribution (WWA) reported that rainfall was about 10% more intense due to climate change, resulting in at least 244 fatalities and significant infrastructure damage.
The floods, which began on September 26, broke rainfall records across central and eastern Nepal, with some areas receiving over 320 mm of rain in just three days. The capital, Kathmandu, and surrounding regions faced flash floods and landslides, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and deforestation.
The WWA emphasized the urgent need for Nepal to limit development in low-lying, riverside areas to mitigate future flood risks. The report highlighted that low-income communities along riverbanks are disproportionately affected due to inadequate infrastructure and resources.
Researchers called for improved disaster risk management, including enhanced early warning systems and effective policy enforcement to protect vulnerable populations. The study underscores the pressing need for global action to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to prevent further climate-related disasters.