A study by the World Weather Attribution team reported that the late September floods in Nepal, which resulted in over 240 deaths, were intensified by human-caused climate change by about 10 percent. The analysis highlights the urgent need for Nepal to limit urban development in low-lying areas to mitigate future flooding risks. The catastrophic floods were attributed to three days of extreme rainfall, with records showing over 320 mm in some locations.
A recent analysis conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) team reveals that the catastrophic floods in Nepal, which occurred in late September and resulted in over 240 fatalities, were exacerbated by climate change. According to the study, anthropogenic influences have intensified the rainfall associated with these events by approximately 10 percent. The floods followed an unprecedented three-day period of extreme rainfall starting September 26, with central and eastern Nepal experiencing record precipitation levels, exceeding 320 millimeters in some weather stations by September 28. The analysis emphasizes the critical need for Nepal to exercise caution with urban development, particularly in low-lying and riverside areas, to mitigate the impacts of future flooding events. WWA’s findings stress that as global temperatures continue to rise, the severity of such weather phenomena will also increase, leading to potentially more devastating floods if fossil fuels are not replaced with renewable energy sources. The flooding phenomena witnessed in the Kathmandu valley has been characterized as unprecedented by local eyewitnesses. The heavy rainfalls caused significant destruction, resulting in the loss of property valued at billions of rupees and claiming over 50 lives in the capital alone. The study pointed out that the rapid development in the Kathmandu area, particularly located around the Bagmati River, significantly increases vulnerability to such disasters. Furthermore, the researchers advocate for improved early warning systems and the implementation of precautionary measures aimed at reducing human exposure to flood risks. The study involved collaboration among 20 researchers from various institutions and countries, underscoring the global nature of climate change impacts. The findings serve as a pertinent reminder of Asia’s increasing susceptibility to extreme weather conditions instigated by climate changes. Roshan Jha, a researcher from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, articulated the gravity of the situation, stating, “Clearly, climate change is no longer a distant threat in Asia.” With every incremental increase in temperature, the capacity of the atmosphere to retain moisture grows, further heightening the risks of intense downpours and subsequent flooding.
The devastating floods in Nepal during late September were linked to extreme rainfall intensified by climate change, as identified by leading scientists from the World Weather Attribution team. Nepal is currently facing significant challenges regarding urban planning in flood-prone areas, emphasizing the need for sustainable development strategies to avert future disasters. This incident showcases the broader implications of climate change on extreme weather events globally, particularly in vulnerable regions like Asia.
The analysis conducted by WWA reveals that human-induced climate change has significantly contributed to the increased intensity of rainfall during the floods in Nepal. It underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban planning in flood-prone areas to reduce risks and enhance preparedness for potential future disasters. As the frequency and severity of extreme weather events escalate due to global warming, immediate action is necessary to protect lives and property in vulnerable regions.
Original Source: www.theweek.in
