Deadly floods expose Himalayan nation’s growing vulnerability to climate change…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel on Monday called for urgent and concrete global action on climate change, saying the recent devastating floods had exposed the extreme vulnerability of the Himalayan nation and underscored the need for climate justice for ecologically fragile countries.
Addressing the nation as Nepal mourned the victims of the disaster, Paudel said the catastrophe was a stark reminder of the growing dangers associated with rising global temperatures.
“This disaster not only demonstrates the extraordinary fragility of our Himalayan environment, but has also once again made us seriously aware of the risks arising from continuously rising global temperatures,” he said.
The appeal follows devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River, which have claimed 1,356 lives, while 4,994 people remain out of contact, according to the latest figures released by Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
The floods, which struck on August 26, caused extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure, leaving large communities in need of urgent relief and assistance.
Paudel urged the international community to move beyond acknowledging the concerns of Nepal and other climate-vulnerable nations and take meaningful measures to address the climate crisis and its consequences.
He also called on Nepal to learn from the catastrophe and reconsider its development approach as the country begins the long process of reconstruction, rehabilitation and economic recovery.
“This is also a time for reconstruction, rehabilitation and economic recovery,” Paudel said, adding that rebuilding efforts should prompt a reassessment of Nepal’s development model.
The President thanked neighbouring countries and the international community for providing search-and-rescue teams, technical experts, medical personnel and essential equipment. India, China and several other countries have extended financial, material and technical assistance for rescue and relief operations.
Paudel urged authorities to continue searching for missing people despite difficult terrain, damaged roads and hazardous conditions. He also called for special attention to vulnerable groups, including children, elderly people, persons with disabilities and pregnant women.
Stressing the need for a coordinated humanitarian response, the President said survivors must be provided with food, clean drinking water, safe shelter, medical treatment and psychosocial support.
He further appealed for national unity, urging political parties, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens to work together on relief, reconstruction and recovery efforts instead of engaging in political confrontation or blame.
