During this year’s monsoon season, Nepal has experienced severe weather conditions that have tragically led to the loss of more than 200 lives. The continuous rain in eastern and central Nepal has caused destructive floods, especially affecting the Kathmandu Valley. As of October 2, the government of Nepal reported 224 confirmed deaths, over 150 injuries, and 24 people missing.
Apart from the human toll, numerous homes, power facilities, and roads have been destroyed by floods and landslides.
Arun Bhakta Shrestha, a climate and environmental risks expert at the Hindu Kush Himalayan knowledge center, expressed shock at the scale of flooding in Kathmandu.
This disaster highlights Nepal’s susceptibility to climate change, particularly the dangers linked to melting glaciers. The retreat of glaciers in the Himalayas has led to the formation of glacial lakes, posing a threat of catastrophic floods if these lakes overflow and impact communities downstream.
Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has raised concerns about China withholding crucial information regarding glacial lakes in Tibet. Collaboration among China, Nepal, and India is deemed essential to mitigate flood risks, yet China’s lack of transparency on glacial lakes remains a challenge.
Tibet is often described as Asia’s water tower due to the major rivers originating there, supplying water to billions downstream. However, criticisms have been raised about China’s environmental management in Tibet, with concerns about displacement of Tibetan communities and ecological degradation.
According to International Campaign for Tibet President Tencho Gyatso, climate change and unsustainable practices threaten Tibet’s water resources, impacting downstream populations. The expansion of glacial lakes on the Tibetan Plateau poses significant risks to infrastructure, settlements, and ecological components.
A team of scientists has called for international cooperation, involving countries like China and Nepal, to address the challenges posed by the expanding glacial lakes and their potential impact on societies and economies.