A weaker monsoon, a greater disaster threat
Summary
A below-average monsoon driven by El Niño increases disaster risks in Nepal and the Himalayan region due to sudden heavy rainfall, glacier melting, and cascading disasters like flash floods and landslides.
Key Points
- The El Niño effect is projected to cause below-average monsoon rainfall but increase risks of sudden heavy downpours and related disasters in South Asia.
- ICIMOD highlights that rising temperatures accelerate glacier melting, elevating risks of flash floods, landslides, and glacial disasters in Himalayan river basins.
- A rare disaster event caused by permafrost thawing (thermokarst) was recorded in Nepal's Humla district, indicating emerging climate impacts.
- Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has completed preparations for monsoon-related disasters, including flood forecasting and rescue readiness.
