A recent assessment by scientists from World Weather Attribution revealed that human-caused climate change intensified the recent floods in Nepal by around 10 percent. This analysis follows catastrophic flooding in late September that resulted in over 240 fatalities and millions in damages. The report underscores the necessity for improved urban planning to prevent future disasters and highlights the direct link between climate change and increased rainfall intensity.
Researchers at World Weather Attribution (WWA) reported that human-caused climate change intensified the recent torrential rains in Nepal by approximately 10 percent, contributing significantly to the devastating floods that occurred in late September. These floods resulted in the tragic loss of over 240 lives and extensive property damage across the region. The scientists’ analysis emphasizes the critical importance of managing urban development in flood-prone areas, particularly in cities like Kathmandu, which sits vulnerable due to its geographical disposition and rapid urbanization. The floods, which were unprecedented according to local accounts, followed an extreme rainfall event that began on September 26, with some locations receiving over 320 mm within a single day. As a result, the WWA urges proactive measures, such as enhancing early warning systems and restricting construction in risk-prone zones, to safeguard communities from similar disasters in the future. Researchers from various international institutes, including significant contributions from Nepal, India, Sweden, the USA, and the UK, collaborated on this urgent assessment. The report reflects on the urgent global need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, positing that increased carbon emissions are exacerbating the severity of weather phenomena. As global temperatures continue to rise, so too does the risk of extreme weather events, indicating a pressing need for climate action.
The increasing intensity of rainfall due to human-induced climate change is a growing concern worldwide. In particular, South Asia has seen significant impacts from climate-related disasters, as evidenced by the recent catastrophic floods in Nepal. This region’s susceptibility is heightened by rapid urban growth coupled with inadequate infrastructure to manage extreme weather. The research conducted by WWA highlights the connection between climate change and the increased volatility of weather patterns, such as extreme rainfall and flooding. This emphasizes not only the localized effects in places like Nepal but also the broader implications for global climate trends and the need for urgent policy interventions.
In conclusion, the analysis by WWA clearly shows that climate change is directly influencing the severity of rainfall and subsequent flooding in Nepal, signaling a need for stringent measures to manage urban planning and development in vulnerable areas. The researchers call for immediate action to enhance preparedness for extreme weather events, thereby protecting lives and property. These findings underscore the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy sources globally to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly in disaster-prone regions.
Original Source: theprint.in
