Nepal frequently experiences devastation caused by natural calamities, whether earthquakes, floods or landslides. Such disasters have become a recurring threat to the country. We do not know when or where an earthquake will strike or how severe it will be. Similarly, floods and landslides can occur suddenly and cause widespread destruction.
In recent years, Nepal has also faced what may be described as a “Himalayan tsunami” resulting from the impacts of climate change and global warming. Rising temperatures have accelerated the melting of glaciers and increased the risk of glacial lake outburst floods. Although Nepal has made a negligible contribution to global greenhouse-gas emissions, it is disproportionately affected by the consequences of global warming, much of which has been driven by developed and industrialized countries.
Nepal should therefore raise the issue of climate injustice more strongly at international forums and seek greater international support for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness. The country should also press for regular scientific studies and monitoring of glaciers, glacial lakes and avalanche-prone areas to assess the risks of glacial floods and other climate-induced disasters. Such studies should be used to establish reliable early-warning systems for communities living in vulnerable areas.
At the national level, Nepal should establish a permanent, specialized disaster-rescue unit in coordination and collaboration with the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police. The unit should be professionally trained, adequately equipped and capable of responding rapidly to major disasters anywhere in the country.
The rescue unit could also be given responsibility for emergency preparedness and response at key national facilities, including airports, major government buildings and strategically important public and private industries. Specialized training should be provided regularly in rescuing people from rivers, landslides, collapsed buildings, tunnels and other hazardous environments.
Nepal cannot prevent earthquakes, floods, landslides or other natural calamities. However, through scientific research, early-warning systems, international cooperation, proper planning and a well-trained permanent rescue mechanism, the country can significantly reduce the loss of lives and property. Disaster preparedness should therefore be treated as a permanent national priority rather than an emergency response after a catastrophe has already occurred.
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