Nepal Floods Demand Climate Solutions

ICIMOD colleagues Bijay Kumar Shrestha and Kamal Prasad Aryal used a makeshift boat to rescue their colleague during the floods in Kathmandu.

The unprecedented floods in Kathmandu and across Nepal serve as a grim reminder of the devastating reality of living in a region on the front lines of climate change. With a death toll exceeding 200 across the country, these events highlight the severe impact of climate-induced disasters. This year, Kathmandu witnessed its highest recorded rainfall – more than 200mm in just 24 hours, some areas receiving over 380mm, leading to catastrophic consequences.

The Bagmati River, which flows through the capital, surged more than 2 metres above its danger level, flooding vast parts of the city and surrounding areas. Tragically, the human toll extends far beyond, with neighbouring countries also suffering significant loss of life, displacement, and damage to livelihoods.

These events clearly show that climate change is no longer a distant or abstract threat; it is an immediate, existential challenge for vulnerable mountain countries like Nepal. As we mourn those lost, we must also confront the systemic factors behind this devastation. While extreme weather events have been increasing in intensity and frequency, the floods are not just a product of nature – but a testament to human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels – which continue to drive climate change and breach planetary boundaries that are necessary for a stable and resilient Earth. Crucially, these floods highlight the limitations of our preparedness, infrastructure, and response mechanisms.

At ICIMOD, we have witnessed firsthand the resilience of communities in the face of these disasters, but we have also seen the profound loss and damage that they suffer. Our team stands ready to support municipalities and partners in the affected areas. We have identified key areas requiring urgent attention, and a rapid assessment led by ICIMOD is in process to evaluate the situation, which will ensure that relief efforts are well-targeted and effective.

Our own colleagues became unsung heroes during the floods, rescuing fellow team members and their families from submerged areas using makeshift boats, exemplifying the spirit of solidarity and quick thinking in times of crisis.

The need for action has never been clearer. As we navigate the uncertain waters of climate change, we must go beyond rhetoric to meaningful, on-the-ground interventions. We need to expect the unexpected and prepare accordingly. While we continue to speak about climate change, our actions have yet to match the urgency of the crisis. Scaling up our efforts is not optional – it is essential for our survival.

Access to information, innovation, investment, and cooperation at all levels will be the cornerstones of this response. ICIMOD remains committed to working with governments, regional and global institutions, and the private sector to drive forward climate adaptation strategies that address both immediate and long-term risks. We cannot afford to be complacent. The floods we have just witnessed are not anomalies – they are the new normal.

The world must come together, not just in conversations, but through concrete actions to address this existential threat. We owe it to those who have lost their lives, their homes, and their livelihoods to ensure that such devastation is mitigated in the future. Together, we must build a more resilient future, where communities are not only prepared to withstand such disasters but are equipped to thrive despite the challenges ahead.

Pema Gyamtsho