Experts are divided on whether the recent heavy rains and floods in Mustang and Manang are caused by climate change. The floods have caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure in the two districts, which are located in the rain shadow area of the Himalayas.
In Mustang, a flood on Sunday night destroyed 31 structures, including houses, hotels, temples, ashrams, schools, and police stations. The flood was caused by water from the Muktinath area that came down the Kagkhola river.
There were no reports of human casualties, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Dr. Basanta Adhikari, a geologist, believes that the floods are a result of climate change. He says that the increased rainfall is causing the soil in Mustang to become more unstable, making it more likely to erode and cause flooding.
ICIMOD climate scientist Arunbhakta Shrestha also believes that the floods are unusual and may be related to climate change. He says that the rain shadow area of the Himalayas is typically not prone to flooding, but the recent rains have been much more intense than usual.
Climatologist Namindra Dahal agrees that climate change is likely to blame for the floods. He says that the rising temperatures in the atmosphere are causing the monsoon air to rise higher, which is leading to more intense rainfall in the Himalayas.
The Earth’s temperature has increased by 1.2 degrees Celsius since the Industrial Revolution. Scientists believe that this warming is causing more extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and heat waves.
The government of Nepal has not yet released a statement on the floods, but officials have said that they are investigating the cause of the disaster.
In the meantime, experts are calling for more research into the impact of climate change on the Himalayas. They say that it is important to understand the risks posed by climate change so that we can take steps to mitigate them.
What can be done to prevent future floods?
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent future floods in Mustang and Manang. These include:
- Building dams and levees to control flooding
- Planting trees to help absorb rainwater
- Developing early warning systems to alert people to potential floods
- Educating people about the risks of flooding
The government of Nepal should also take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in renewable energy sources.
The recent floods in Mustang and Manang are a wake-up call for Nepal. We need to take action now to prevent future disasters.
