Nepal Demands Climate Justice After Devastating Floods
Activists in Kathmandu demand global climate justice following the devastating Rasuwa floods that killed 1400 and left thousands missing.
The cry for climate justice has grown louder in Nepal as activists gather to mourn the lives lost and demand global accountability following the catastrophic floods in Rasuwa. The disaster, described by some as a "Himalayan Tsunami," has left a trail of destruction that has claimed over 1,400 lives, with more than 6,000 people still missing.
Protests in Kathmandu Durbar Square
On Friday, the historic Durbar Square in Kathmandu—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—became the center of a poignant demonstration. Dozens of climate activists assembled to demand urgent action from the international community. The protesters formed a human chain and observed a minute of silence to honor the victims before holding a candlelight vigil in the ancient palace complex.
The demonstration serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of environmental neglect. Activists used the platform to warn that the crisis currently ravaging Nepal is a precursor to what many other nations may face in the coming decade.
A Warning to the Global Community
The scale of the tragedy in the Rasuwa district has sent shockwaves through the nation, affecting not just the immediate area but neighboring Nuwakot and Dhading as well. Activists emphasized that the intensity of the flash floods was fueled by human-induced climate change.
"To the international community, you should know what’s going on," said Purnika, a climate activist. "It’s not just us from Nepal but also there are other countries who are facing the climate crisis and you should also reduce the carbon emissions. If this continues, maybe in 10 or 15 years you’re going to be in the same situation as Nepal is now. So Climate Justice now, or Climate Justice never."
Sunisha Gurung, another participating activist, highlighted the long-term humanitarian and economic repercussions. "If we don’t stop it today, the future that is in our hands, yesterday’s Bhotekoshi flood might be a small event, but in the future a big incident might occur," Gurung warned.
The Scale of Destruction
The disaster, triggered by a massive rock-and-ice avalanche on August 26, caused sudden glacier outbursts that wiped out entire settlements. The settlements of Timure and Syafru Besi were reportedly washed clean by the force of the water. The impact on infrastructure has been staggering:
- Human Toll: Over 1,400 dead and 6,000+ still missing.
- Displacement: More than 70,000 people have been directly affected and rendered homeless.
- Energy Sector: Damage to eight operating hydropower projects (281 MW) and four under construction (388 MW), disrupting 431.1 MW of generation capacity.
- Transport: Destruction of major sections of the Galchhi–Betrawati–Rasuwagadhi road and the Prithvi Highway, along with 48 suspension bridges and 31 motorable bridges.
As search and recovery efforts continue in the flood-affected areas, the economic burden of the catastrophe is becoming clear. Experts estimate that approximately $5 billion USD will be required for the reconstruction of infrastructure, a process that is expected to take at least a decade to complete.