Nepal has been hit by two consecutive days of heavy rainfall, leading to severe flooding and landslides that have resulted in 129 fatalities and left 62 people missing. In response to the crisis, schools across the country have been closed for three days.
The catastrophic flooding has paralyzed transportation in the capital, Kathmandu, severely disrupting the daily lives of residents. All domestic flights have been halted, and international flights have also faced significant disruptions.
Local officials reported that the Kathmandu region received 322 millimeters of rain in just two days, causing the Bagmati River to exceed its warning level by 2.2 meters. Although weather forecasts indicate that rain diminished on Sunday morning, the previous deluge has already had devastating consequences. Rescue teams are struggling to search for survivors amid roads and buildings buried under landslides, creating heart-wrenching scenes.
Meteorologists attribute the torrential rain to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. Climate scientists from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development have noted that Nepal's unplanned urbanization has exacerbated flood risks. This trend has become increasingly apparent over the past few years, with experts warning that similar disasters may occur more frequently as climate change intensifies.
Traditionally known for its humid monsoon season, South Asia is now experiencing more extreme climate phenomena. Home to nearly a quarter of the world's population, people in this region are not only facing the challenges of extreme weather but also grappling with deep-rooted social issues such as poverty, food security, and health. In Nepal, one-quarter of the population lives below the poverty line, and extreme weather conditions are making their lives even more difficult.
This year, the impacts of climate change have become more pronounced in Nepal and surrounding areas. In addition to flooding, many regions are facing water shortages and frequent wildfires. Villagers in the Himalayan region, once accustomed to cold climates, now confront survival challenges brought about by heavy rains, forcing many to migrate in search of safer living conditions.
According to the Nepal Ministry of Agriculture, around 30% of farmland in the country is now fallow, particularly in mountainous areas, where the frequency of wildfires has increased nearly tenfold over the past two decades. These changes threaten local ecosystems and place enormous economic pressure on residents who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Experts are urging the government and urban planners to take immediate action by increasing infrastructure investment, particularly in rainwater and wastewater management systems. These measures should not only include traditional "gray" infrastructure but also consider "green" solutions to address future climate challenges. Sustainable urban planning and development are essential for ensuring that Nepal and the broader South Asian region can effectively respond to climate change.
In the shadow of climate change, the future of South Asia appears increasingly uncertain. As extreme weather events become more frequent and climate patterns shift, survival challenges in the region will only continue to escalate.