theguardian.com
Nepal's Monsoon Disaster Exposes Gaps in Disaster Resilience
Unprecedented monsoon rains in September 2023 devastated Nepal, destroying Panauti village and causing 244 deaths in Kathmandu, highlighting the country's vulnerability to climate change despite post-2015 earthquake resilience efforts.
- What are the immediate consequences of the September 2023 monsoon rains in Nepal, and how do these events compare to past disasters?
- Last September's monsoon rains in Nepal caused widespread devastation, including the near-total destruction of the village of Panauti and 244 deaths in Kathmandu due to record rainfall. This follows the 2015 earthquake, highlighting Nepal's vulnerability to multiple disasters.
- How has the withdrawal of USAID funding and the impact of climate change affected Nepal's disaster preparedness and resilience efforts?
- Nepal's topography and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, exacerbated by climate change, increase its susceptibility to floods and landslides. The withdrawal of USAID support for disaster preparedness further hinders resilience efforts, impacting initiatives like Servir, which used satellite data for disaster response.
- What are the long-term implications of insufficient funding and implementation of resilience measures, and how can Nepal address these challenges to mitigate future disaster risks?
- The insufficient funding and implementation of resilience measures, coupled with complacency and continued construction in high-risk areas, threaten Nepal's progress. The lack of adherence to building codes and the prioritization of economic growth over resilience in urban planning create long-term vulnerabilities to future climate disasters.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the narrative around the devastating impact of the floods and the ongoing challenges faced by Nepal in building resilience. While it acknowledges progress made since the 2015 earthquake, the overall tone emphasizes the ongoing vulnerabilities and the insufficient support received. The inclusion of personal accounts from individuals affected by the disasters strengthens this framing, humanizing the consequences and emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The headline, while not explicitly provided, would likely emphasize the ongoing struggles, further shaping reader perception towards concern and urgency.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective, employing precise descriptions and avoiding overly emotional or sensationalized language. While the descriptions of the devastation are powerful, they are presented factually and avoid hyperbolic language. For example, phrases such as "relentless rain" and "unprecedented rainfall" are descriptive rather than emotionally charged.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the impact of the floods and the challenges faced by Nepal in recovery and resilience, but it could benefit from including diverse perspectives, such as the role of international organizations beyond USAID, or a more in-depth analysis of the Nepali government's response and resource allocation beyond the mentioned funding shortfalls. Additionally, while the article mentions the importance of resilient infrastructure, it could provide more concrete examples of successful implementation or policy changes at the local level. Finally, the article briefly touches on the impact of urbanization, but could explore this further by providing specific examples of unsustainable urban development practices in Nepal and their contribution to disaster vulnerability.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights how the 2015 earthquake and subsequent 2023 floods have exacerbated poverty in Nepal, leaving many, like Bishnu Humagain, struggling to survive and repeatedly losing their homes and livelihoods. The loss of agriculture and belongings pushes families further into poverty and hinders their ability to recover.