What's happened
Severe flooding in Kathmandu, Nepal, has resulted in at least 217 fatalities and extensive infrastructure damage. The disaster, exacerbated by climate change, has disrupted travel ahead of the Dasain festival. Rescue operations are ongoing, with thousands affected and many still missing as the government prioritizes recovery efforts.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the flooding has been described as the worst in two decades, with experts attributing the disaster to climate change and poor urban planning. Hannah Ellis-Petersen notes that 'the scale of the disaster has been worsened by unplanned urban encroachment on flood plains.' Meanwhile, Al Jazeera highlights the immediate humanitarian needs, stating that 'the focus is on search and rescue, including people who have been stranded on highways.' The Independent emphasizes the government's efforts to assist those affected, but also points out the challenges posed by damaged infrastructure ahead of the Dasain festival.
How we got here
The flooding was triggered by unprecedented monsoon rains, with over 10 inches falling in just two days. This event marks the worst flooding in the region in five decades, attributed to climate change and unplanned urban development.
Common question
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What Caused the Severe Flooding in Nepal?
Severe flooding in Nepal has left a devastating impact, with continuous rainfall leading to loss of life and widespread destruction. Understanding the causes and effects of this disaster can help us grasp the urgency of the situation and the ongoing rescue efforts.
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How Do Natural Disasters Like Flooding Affect Communities?
Natural disasters, such as the recent severe flooding in Nepal, have devastating effects on communities. Understanding these impacts can help us prepare for future events and support those affected. Below are some common questions regarding the human cost of natural disasters and how communities can respond.
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How is Climate Change Affecting Floods in Nepal?
The recent floods in Nepal have raised urgent questions about the relationship between climate change and natural disasters. With a death toll of 193 and ongoing rescue operations, understanding how climate change exacerbates these events is crucial. Below, we explore common questions related to this pressing issue.
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How Do Countries Respond to Natural Disasters Like the Floods in Nepal?
Natural disasters, such as the recent floods in Nepal, prompt urgent responses from governments and international organizations. Understanding how countries react to such crises can shed light on the effectiveness of disaster management strategies and the role of global cooperation in recovery efforts. Below are some common questions regarding disaster response and recovery.
More on these topics
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Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a country in South Asia. It is mainly in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It is the 49th largest country by population and 93rd largest country by area.
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Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, with a population of around 1 million. Also known as the city of temples, the city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400 metres above sea level in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu valley in central Nepa
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The Bagmati River runs through the Kathmandu valley of Nepal, separating the cities of Kathmandu from Patan, before flowing through Province No. 2 of southern Nepal and finally joing the Koshi River in the Indian state of Bihar.