Construction boom pushes Nepal’s mountain settlements into flood-prone areas
Summary
A new study finds that 108,500 people in Nepal are exposed to flood risks as mountain settlements expand into vulnerable areas, with buildings in potential flood zones rising 78 percent between 2016 and 2023. Researchers and disaster experts warn that hydropower development, road construction and unplanned urbanization are driving more people into hazard-prone river corridors.
Key Points
- At least 108,500 people in Nepal are exposed to flood risks as high-mountain settlements expand into vulnerable areas, according to a new study.
- Buildings in potential flood zones increased by 78 percent between 2016 and 2023, while structures within 50 meters of riverbeds grew by 46 percent.
- Experts say hydropower projects, road expansion, tourism infrastructure and unplanned urbanization are pushing communities into hazardous river corridors.
- The article warns that climate change and melting Himalayan glaciers could make cascading floods and glacier lake outburst floods more frequent.
