A scientific analysis has determined that human-induced climate change made the rainfall during Nepal’s late September floods approximately 10 percent more intense. Over 240 lives were lost in the floods, with Kathmandu being particularly hard-hit. The study urges limiting development in low-lying, flood-prone areas and enhancing early warning systems to protect vulnerable populations from future disasters.
A recent rapid analysis conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) has concluded that the intense rainfall that led to the devastating floods in Nepal in late September was exacerbated by human-induced climate change, resulting in rainfall that was approximately 10 percent more intense than it would have been otherwise. The floods, which occurred after three consecutive days of severe rainfall beginning on September 26, claimed over 240 lives and caused substantial damage throughout the country, particularly in Kathmandu, where unprecedented levels of flooding occurred. The analysis, involving a team of 20 researchers from various international institutions, emphasized the critical need for preventative measures in flood-prone areas of Nepali cities, advocating for restrictions on development in low-lying regions. In particular, it was noted that rapid urban growth in Kathmandu, located in a bowl-shaped valley around the Bagmati River, has heightened the risks associated with flooding events. The researchers suggested that enhancing early warning systems and implementing immediate flood response strategies could mitigate future disasters. Mariam Zachariah from the Centre for Environmental Policy at 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.” She further highlighted the increasing vulnerability of Asia to severe downpours, citing climate change’s significant role in recent flooding events across multiple countries in the region. Similarly, Roshan Jha from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay noted that, “Clearly, climate change is no longer a distant threat in Asia,” explaining how even slight increases in global temperatures can lead to substantially heavier precipitation events.
The recent floods in Nepal, which resulted in a tragic loss of life and widespread destruction, have been linked to human-induced climate change by climate scientists. The region has increasingly been affected by extreme weather patterns due to global warming, which has intensified rainfall and subsequent flooding episodes. The analysis by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group highlights the urgent need for awareness around climate change impacts and the necessity for strategic urban planning in vulnerable areas. By understanding these dynamics, vulnerable communities can better prepare for and respond to future climate-related disasters.
In conclusion, the floods in Nepal serve as a critical reminder of the profound impact of climate change on extreme weather events. The insights from the WWA analysis underscore the urgent need for more sustainable development practices in flood-prone regions and the importance of adopting proactive measures to safeguard communities. Increasing awareness and preparedness can mitigate the effects of future flooding, particularly as climate change continues to present significant challenges to the stability of weather patterns in the region.
Original Source: theprint.in
