Human-Induced Climate Change Intensifies Flooding in Nepal
Scientists have determined that the recent flooding in Nepal, resulting in over 240 deaths, was intensified by human-induced climate change, which made rainfall approximately 10 percent more intense. The report from World Weather Attribution calls for improved urban planning and early warning systems to mitigate the risks of future flooding disasters. Nepal’s rapid urban growth in flood-prone areas has compounded the disaster’s impact, necessitating urgent measures to safeguard vulnerable populations.
A recent analysis conducted by World Weather Attribution (WWA) revealed that the catastrophic floods in Nepal in late September, responsible for over 240 fatalities, were exacerbated by human-induced climate change, which intensified rainfall by approximately 10 percent. The analysis emphasizes the immediate necessity for Nepal to curtail urban development in low-lying areas prone to flooding to safeguard citizens from future disasters. The extreme weather events were marked by unprecedented rainfall from September 26 to September 28, with some weather stations recording over 320 mm of rain, causing severe flooding and landslides that devastated central and eastern Nepal. The WWA’s assessment indicated that if fossil fuel emissions were not prevalent, these floods would have been less severe and destructive. The Kathmandu Valley, which witnessed these unprecedented floods, experienced significant loss of life and property damage, leading researchers to urge for the establishment of enhanced early warning systems and proactive measures to mitigate future flood risks. The study, involving 20 scientists from various countries, underscores the increasing vulnerability of Asia to intense rainfall events. Experts noted that rapid urbanization in Kathmandu, situated in a bowl-shaped valley along the Bagmati River, aggravated the floods’ impact. Moreover, the analysis conveyed that as global temperatures rise, the atmosphere can retain more moisture, leading to heavier downpours and catastrophic flooding incidents. This urgent report serves as a clarion call for immediate action to address the implications of climate change on weather patterns and to implement strategic urban planning to protect vulnerable populations against natural disasters.
The alarming rise in climate-related disasters globally highlights the pressing need for comprehensive studies on the effects of climate change on extreme weather phenomena. Nepal has recently faced devastating floods, leading scientists to investigate the causal relationship between these events and human-induced climate change. Scientific collaborations like World Weather Attribution seek to comprehend and quantify the impact of climate change on specific weather events, providing critical insights for policy-makers and planners, especially in regions like Nepal that are particularly vulnerable due to their geographical and socioeconomic conditions.
In conclusion, the findings from the WWA analysis illustrate the significant impact of human-induced climate change on recent extreme rainfall events in Nepal. With rising global temperatures resulting in increased moisture retention in the atmosphere, the potential for more frequent and severe flooding becomes a grave concern. The study advocates for strategic urban planning that prioritizes flood risk mitigation and strengthens early warning systems to protect communities from future climate-related disasters.
Original Source: www.theweek.in
