Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah has called for urgent international action on climate change following a devastating Himalayan flood that killed at least 939 people and left nearly 4,500 missing. The flood, caused by a glacial collapse on the China-Nepal border, has been described by Shah as 'not an ordinary' event but one driven by climate change. He emphasized the need for the international community to address the growing risks associated with global warming.
The glacial collapse triggered a huge wave of freezing water and debris in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa, leading to one of the region's major disasters. While the exact cause of the collapse remains unclear, scientists agree that climate change is causing glaciers worldwide to melt at an accelerated rate, particularly in the Himalayas. This incident underscores the increasing vulnerability of the Himalayan region to climate-related disasters.
Nepal, a nation of 30 million people with limited contributions to global emissions, is disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change. Prime Minister Shah stressed the need for Nepal to advocate internationally for greater attention to the disasters resulting from climate change. He highlighted the critical role of Himalayan glaciers as a water source for around 240 million people in the mountainous regions and an additional 1.65 billion people in the river valleys below.
FAQs
- **What caused the Himalayan flood?** The flood was triggered by a glacial collapse on the China-Nepal border, which resulted in a massive wave of freezing water and debris. - **How is climate change linked to the disaster?** Climate change is causing glaciers to melt worldwide, increasing the risk of glacial collapses and subsequent floods. - **What are the consequences of the disaster?** The flood has killed at least 939 people, left nearly 4,500 missing, and is expected to incur billions of dollars in reconstruction costs. - **What is Nepal's position on climate change?** Nepal, despite contributing little to global emissions, is severely affected by climate change and is calling for international action to address the issue. - **Why are Himalayan glaciers important?** Himalayan glaciers are a crucial water source for millions of people in South and Southeast Asia, making their preservation vital for regional stability and livelihoods.
