Nepal floods expose climate risks and disaster preparedness gaps in South Asia

Northern Nepal has been struck by devastating floods that have intensified scrutiny on climate-related hazards and the fragility of mountain ecosystems in the region. The disaster underscores South Asia's broader struggle with large-scale disaster preparedness and response infrastructure.

The floods have exposed weaknesses in early warning systems, evacuation protocols, and cross-border coordination mechanisms. Experts point to accelerating climate change, deforestation, and unplanned urbanisation as key factors amplifying flood risk in vulnerable Himalayan valleys.