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Human-Induced Climate Change Intensifies Nepal’s Floods, Scientists Conclude

A study by World Weather Attribution indicates that the floods in Nepal that occurred in late September, causing over 240 deaths, were exacerbated by 10 percent more intense rainfall due to climate change. The analysis emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable development practices in flood-prone areas and improved disaster preparedness to protect lives and property in the future.

A recent analysis by World Weather Attribution (WWA) reveals that the devastating floods in Nepal at the end of September, which resulted in the loss of over 240 lives, were exacerbated by rainfall that was approximately 10 percent more intense due to human-induced climate change. The extreme weather event followed three days of unprecedented rainfall, with some regions experiencing over 320 mm of rain in just one day, leading to catastrophic floods and landslides across central and eastern Nepal. The WWA, a consortium of international scientists, emphasizes the need for Nepal to adopt sustainable development practices in low-lying, riverside areas to mitigate the risk of future flooding events. The study indicates that Kathmandu, the hardest-hit area, is particularly vulnerable due to its rapid urbanization and development around the Bagmati River, which has significantly increased the flood risks in recent decades. In order to protect lives and property in future events, the researchers advocate for the implementation of stricter regulations on development in flood-prone regions and highlight the importance of enhancing early warning systems. Furthermore, they assert that without substantial reductions in fossil fuel emissions, such extreme weather incidents will likely continue to intensify. Mariam Zachariah of Imperial College, London stated, “If the atmosphere wasn’t overloaded with fossil fuel emissions, these floods would have been less intense, less destructive and less deadly.” Roshan Jha from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, echoed this sentiment, indicating that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality affecting Asia, with increasing heavy downpours directly linked to global warming.

The floods in Nepal during late September 2023 marked a significant climate-related disaster, resulting in over 240 fatalities and extensive damage in the affected regions. This event was analyzed by WWA to assess the influence of climate change on its intensity and frequency. Scientific evaluations determined that the rainfall experienced during this period was significantly intensified by human activities contributing to environmental changes, such as climate change induced by fossil fuel emissions. This situation has prompted urgent calls for improved urban planning and resilience strategies in vulnerable areas.

The recent analysis conducted by WWA confirms a direct link between human-induced climate change and the increased intensity of rainfall in Nepal, which resulted in severe flooding and loss of life. The findings highlight the critical need for improved urban planning and disaster preparedness to mitigate future climate-related catastrophes. Furthermore, the study serves as a reminder of the ongoing impacts of climate change across Asia, necessitating immediate action to address environmental vulnerabilities.

Original Source: www.theweek.in

Leila Ramsay is an accomplished journalist with over 15 years in the industry, focusing on environmental issues and public health. Her early years were spent in community reporting, which laid the foundation for her later work with major news outlets. Leila's passion for factual storytelling coupled with her dedication to sustainability has made her articles influential in shaping public discourse on critical issues. She is a regular contributor to various news platforms, sharing insightful analysis and expert opinions.

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