Nepal floods 'unprecedented', requires new 'engineering approaches, risk-sensitive urban planning'

Nepal is grappling with a historic flood crisis that demands innovative engineering solutions and proactive urban planning strategies, according to Dr. Basanta Raj Adhikari. The disaster underscores the limitations of traditional preventive measures in the challenging Himalayan terrain. Adhikari, Director of the Center for Disaster Studies at Tribhuvan University’s Institute of Engineering, observes that flood velocities can reach staggering speeds of 170 to 180 kilometers per hour.

These floods are triggered by a multitude of hazards, including ice and snow avalanches, as well as glacial lake outburst floods.

Adhikari emphasizes that effectively monitoring Nepal’s steep and intricate mountainous terrain is virtually unattainable. However, he reframes the situation from a pessimistic perspective to a more constructive approach. Instead of attempting to predict every extreme event, Adhikari advocates for a risk-informed adaptation strategy.

He recommends utilizing satellite observations to identify hotspots of high risk, complemented by ground-based monitoring systems and early-warning mechanisms. By integrating this critical knowledge into risk-sensitive land-use planning, Nepal can better prepare itself for future flood events and mitigate potential damages.