Last week, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, was severely flooded due to record-breaking rains causing the Bagmati river to overflow, resulting in over 200 casualties and thousands of damaged homes. Experts debate whether climate change or urban encroachment of the river contributed to the disaster.
Rainfall in Kathmandu
The Kathmandu valley saw 240mm of rain, with some areas experiencing up to 322.2mm. The downpour mainly affected Kathmandu and surrounding regions, including tourist spot Pokhara.
Casualties
The death toll rose to 228, with 25 missing and 158 injured. Rescue operations were hindered due to damaged infrastructure and blocked roads.
Recovery Efforts
The army rescued over 4,000 people, but Prime Minister Oli faced criticism for not returning promptly from the UN General Assembly.
Causes of Flooding
Unplanned urban development along the river worsened the floods, along with deforestation and outdated drainage systems.
Impact of Climate Change
Experts agree that climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of floods in Nepal.
Affected Communities
Marginalized communities in informal settlements along riverbanks suffer the most from floods.
Prevention Measures
Improving urban planning, preserving natural river courses, using porous construction materials, and enhancing infrastructure are key to mitigating future disasters.