Opinion | Welcome to a terrifying new climate era
Summary
A powerful flash flood on the Bhotekoshi River has underscored how climate change is reshaping Nepal’s mountains, monsoon patterns and water security. The disaster, triggered by a rock-and-ice avalanche near the Nepal–China border, has intensified concerns over future floods, droughts and food shortages.
Key Points
- A flash flood on the Bhotekoshi River near the Nepal–China (Tibet) border killed at least 1,410 people, left over 5,000 missing and caused massive damage to property and infrastructure.
- The article argues that Himalayan weather patterns are changing, with erratic monsoons, fading winter precipitation and shrinking snowpack increasing floods, droughts and water stress.
- Past floods in Nepal, including those in 1954, 1993, 2002 and 2017, show the country’s repeated vulnerability to climate-driven disasters.
- The author calls for climate justice and long-term resilience planning to address both flash floods and growing water and food insecurity.
