The nature has the ability to alter its mood within seconds. This has been shown vividly by the flash floods that have ravaged the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river system and caused havoc in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts. The flooding rivers turned out to be a source of threat to human life and an obstruction to daily routines.
The geographical setup of Nepal is such that the country becomes highly susceptible to flash floods. The hilly topography along with narrow river valleys and heavy monsoon rains make the scenario risky. The Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers form the lifeline of the area. They provide for transportation facilities, agriculture, power generation and other economic activities of the people. But during heavy rainfall, they turn out to be the cause of havoc.
The flood in Rasuwa was a cause of great worry because, in many cases, settlement areas and infrastructure are found next to steep slopes and river valleys. Flood waters can contain large quantities of soil, rock, and debris, increasing their force. Floods pose great risks to roads and bridges and, thus, isolate the community from help, supplies, and food.
Floods along the Trishuli river system in Nuwakot and Dhading pointed out yet another risk factor – that of the transport and riverside settlements. The Trishuli region serves as one of the most important routes in Nepal. Thus, damage to transportation infrastructure can result in problems going far beyond the affected areas. Disruption of transport may delay rescue efforts and hinder the supply of necessary goods.
Flash floods are not just floods, and they are distinguishable from seasonal floods because they can occur very rapidly. Several hours of heavy rain can lead to a sudden rise in water levels, forcing people to evacuate from their homes. People residing along rivers may not have enough time to move to safe places, making an early warning system an integral part of disaster management.
The current flooding brings into focus other issues of climate resilience. It is true that one single flood cannot always be linked to climate change, but it is important to mention here that scientists have issued warnings about changes in precipitation patterns and extreme weather conditions, which can cause extra difficulties for communities living in mountains.
Therefore, for Nepal, dealing with disasters goes beyond the issue of saving lives during rescue operations. This requires building stronger bridges and roads, better monitoring of rivers, proper drainage systems, hazard maps, disaster preparedness within communities, and a reliable early warning system. Education on how to deal with flood alerts could come from schools and local communities.
The problem with flash floods is that they occur unexpectedly, but the impact they cause does not have to be necessarily unavoidable. Better preparedness would mean fewer deaths. Flash floods in the districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading resulting from the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli floods act as a lesson that development and disaster preparedness need to go together.
While rivers are critical to the existence of Nepal, it is better to be prepared for when they overflow their banks.
Team Yuva Aaveg-
Adarsh Tiwari
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