A rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution reveals that the recent floods in Nepal, which resulted in over 240 deaths, were intensified by climate change-induced rainfall, which was 10 percent more severe due to human activities. The study highlights the urgent need for Nepal to limit development in vulnerable areas and improve disaster preparedness to mitigate future risks.
A recent analysis conducted by World Weather Attribution (WWA) has determined that the devastating floods in Nepal in late September, which resulted in over 240 fatalities, were exacerbated by climate change-induced rainfall that was approximately 10 percent more intense due to human activities. The intense precipitation, which began on September 26, led to extreme meteorological events, including heavy rainfall measured at over 320 mm in certain regions by September 28. This climate-induced phenomenon has highlighted the urgent need for Nepal to initiate measures to restrict development in vulnerable areas, particularly those located along riverbanks in urban centers, to mitigate the impacts of such disasters in the future. Historically unprecedented flooding in the Kathmandu valley caused catastrophic losses, claiming at least 244 lives and causing significant infrastructural damage estimated in the billions. The WWA’s analysis emphasized that continued reliance on fossil fuels amplifies the severity of such floods. The report stresses that the increased intensity of rainfall poses ongoing risks for future catastrophic flooding unless substantial shifts to renewable energy are made. The unprecedented floods witnessed in cities like Kathmandu, which is built around the Bagmati river and has seen rapid urban growth, underscore the pressing need for strategic urban planning and disaster preparedness. Moreover, the study, which involves 20 researchers from diverse global institutions including Nepal, India, Sweden, the United States, and the United Kingdom, underlines that Asia is growing increasingly vulnerable to severe weather events fueled by climate change. Noteworthy voices in the research, such as Mariam Zachariah from Imperial College London, remarked, “If the atmosphere wasn’t overloaded with fossil fuel emissions, these floods would have been less intense, less destructive and less deadly.” Similarly, Roshan Jha from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, pointed out, “Clearly, climate change is no longer a distant threat in Asia.”
The analysis by WWA focuses on understanding the direct impact of climate change on extreme weather conditions, particularly in relation to intense rainfall and flooding. The floods that struck Nepal at the end of September 2023 have illustrated the connection between human-induced climate change and the severity of weather events. As countries like Nepal grapple with rapid urbanization in flood-prone areas, the importance of implementing effective disaster management strategies becomes critical. This analysis aims to provide insights into how climate change is altering the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena and posits development planning and environmental management as key areas for intervention.
In conclusion, the analysis by World Weather Attribution underscores the significant role human-induced climate change plays in intensifying extreme weather events, particularly the recent floods in Nepal. It is imperative for Nepal to adopt strategic development measures to protect vulnerable areas and invest in resilient infrastructure while transitioning towards sustainable energy sources. The findings further emphasize the urgent need for global awareness and collective action to mitigate the impacts of climate change, especially in regions susceptible to severe climatic disruptions.
Original Source: theprint.in
