Neap PM Links Floods to Climate Change

Kathmandu – Nepal’s prime minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, said the country’s deadliest floods in recent memory are a direct consequence of climate change, underscoring the growing vulnerability of the Himalayan nation to extreme weather. The monsoon deluge that began on August 2 swept through the central and eastern districts, triggering landslides and flash floods that have killed at least 84 people, left 31 missing and forced more than 150,000 residents from their homes.

The government’s disaster response team reported that over 2,300 structures were damaged or destroyed, while critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, suffered extensive disruption, hampering relief efforts. Prime Minister Dahal, speaking at a press briefing in Kathmandu, cited rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns as drivers of the intensified flood risk, calling for accelerated implementation of the nation’s climate‑adaptation plan and greater international support for resilient infrastructure. He also announced a 10 billion‑rupee emergency fund to aid reconstruction and urged neighboring countries and development partners to expedite assistance.

The prime minister’s remarks come as Nepal prepares for the upcoming monsoon season, with authorities urging communities to adopt early‑warning systems and relocate settlements from high‑risk zones. While relief operations continue, officials stress that long‑term mitigation measures will be essential to curb the impact of climate‑induced disasters on the country’s largely agrarian population.