From September 26 to 28, heavy rainfall triggered devastating floods and landslides in central and eastern Nepal. The damage was widespread, and the human cost immense. In just 24 hours, Kathmandu recorded an astonishing 300 mm of rain, the highest in 54 years. Encroachment upon rivers and floodplains transformed natural buffer zones into settlements, exacerbating the destruction. As of October 4, as many as 236 lives have been lost, including 35 people who perished in a landslide in Dhading district. Over 4,000 people were rescued, but more than 5000 were displaced, and an estimated 10,000 people were affected. The financial losses surpassing Rs 17 billion hit the critical infrastructure and agriculture sector.
The recent floods and landslides have been a devastating reminder of the country's vulnerability to natural disasters. The loss of life, destruction of property, and disruption of livelihoods have had a profound impact on communities across the nation. While the immediate consequences of these disasters are clear, it is imperative that we also consider the underlying causes and the lessons that can be learned for the future.
What makes this tragedy even more heart-wrenching is that many of the victims were from marginalized communities, forced to live along riverbanks due to poverty. Despite a three-day advance flood warning issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the government's response was tragically insufficient. The flood has sparked debates about the capacity of the country’s disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. As we reflect on what went wrong and what could have done better, it is essential to draw lessons that can prevent future catastrophes.
Ignoring Flood Alerts
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology issued a timely warning, but key agencies like the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) failed to act. These agencies, which hold the resources and authority to implement effective disaster risk management, did not enforce necessary travel restrictions or prepare vulnerable communities living near rivers. While some of the public showed disregard for the warning, continuing to travel despite roadblocks, it is ultimately the responsibility of government bodies to enforce preventive measures during such crises.
Poor Coordination
High risk of landslides in hills, floods in tarai
Effective disaster management hinges on strong coordination and communication, yet Nepal’s government struggled to mobilize its own resources in the critical pre-disaster phase. Had MoHA coordinated with civil society and local government representatives, there could have been better preparedness and rescue operations. The failure to engage communities early enough contributed to the scale of the disaster. Strong coordination could have saved lives, reduced property damage, and lessened the overall impact.
Lack of Rapid Response Teams and Equipment
The tragedy of the Nakkhu River in Lalitpur, where people waited for hours on rooftops for rescue, underscores the lack of trained personnel and adequate equipment. Rescue teams arrived too late, highlighting Nepal's insufficient capacity to handle such crises. Without well-trained and properly equipped rapid response teams, future disasters will result in similarly devastating delays.
Media's Missed Opportunity
The media in Nepal also missed a crucial opportunity to raise public awareness during the disaster. Newspapers, radio, and television could have amplified the flood warnings and safety protocols, helping communities better prepare for the looming disaster. In future crises, media outlets must take on a more proactive role in informing the public and guiding them on safety measures.
Failure of Development Partners
Nepal’s development partners, including NGOs and international organizations, could have played a pivotal role in advocating for disaster preparedness before the flood hit. Instead, their focus remained on creating situation reports and donor submissions after the fact. Moving forward, development partners must work more closely with the government to educate communities about disaster risks and response strategies.
Destructive Impact of Sand Mining
Sand mining along rivers in Khurkot, Roshi, and Jhyaple has exacerbated the impact of natural disasters. The unregulated extraction of sand destabilizes riverbanks and road edges, contributing to the loss of life during floods. Local political leaders and municipalities have worsened the situation by using heavy machinery for road construction without proper technical assessments. Immediate regulation of sand mining practices and tighter oversight are necessary to prevent future disasters.
Riverside Encroachment
Much of the death toll in Kathmandu's floods can be attributed to riverside encroachment. The Bagmati River has been narrowed by illegal construction, reducing its ability to handle heavy water flow. This manmade disaster is compounded by political and urban planning failures. To prevent future tragedies, stricter regulations and improved urban planning are essential.
A Call for Immediate Action
The recent floods have exposed glaring inefficiencies in Nepal’s disaster management capabilities. The fact that people in Kathmandu Valley waited hours for rescue, even though help should have been easily mobilized, speaks volumes about the dysfunction within government agencies. These disasters have underscored the urgent need for better disaster preparedness, stronger government accountability, and more robust coordination with civil society and development partners.
Nepal’s government must not only provide immediate aid to those affected but also put in place stronger institutions and mechanisms to handle future disasters. The lessons from these floods are expensive, but they must not be ignored. It is imperative that Nepal learns from these costly lessons. The government must invest in disaster preparedness, improve coordination among agencies, and strengthen emergency response capabilities. A failure to act now will only invite more preventable disasters in the future.
