Bhotekoshi catastrophe: Need to prepare for the worse to come
Summary
The Bhotekoshi debris flow and flood of August 26 have caused massive destruction, leaving more than 900 dead, about 4,000 missing and hydropower output sharply reduced. The article says Nepal must prepare for even worse disasters ahead as glacial outbursts and climate change make such events more frequent.
Key Points
- The August 26 Bhotekoshi debris flow and flood caused more than 900 deaths, left about 4,000 people uncommunicado and inflicted estimated losses of Rs 2 trillion.
- The disaster damaged bridges, settlements and hydropower projects, cutting more than 450 MW of power output.
- The article says Nepal was unprepared despite earlier warning signs from Rasuwagadhi and Thame, and that similar events may become more frequent because of climate change.
- It argues Nepal should strengthen disaster preparedness, move settlements away from vulnerable lowlands and prepare for even worse future events.
