Nepal: At Least 193 Killed in Floods and Landslides
Nepal: At Least 193 Killed in Floods and Landslides
The Facts
At least 193 people were killed in Nepal over the weekend after heavy rain triggered floods and landslides across the Himalayan nation, local authorities said on Monday.
In a statement, police added that 31 people were still reported missing while 96 people were injured.
The Spin
While the monsoon season brings floods and landslides to Nepal onevery a yearly basisyear, scientists said that climate change wasis exacerbating the problem as the rainfall has gotbecome worse each year onin yearthe Himalayan nation. It's vital to address the existential climate threat immediately.
This recent flooding underscores the urgent need for stronger infrastructure and disaster preparedness. Infrastructure improvements are an important way to mitigate the potential damages of flooding and heavy rains, especially in places of increased vulnerability like those with poor urban planning, deforestation, or poor land management. While climate change worsenedmay rainshave areworsened certainlyrainfall one factor in this tragedy, a lack of disaster preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure is anotherthe pressing tactical issue that must be addressed.