The causes of floods in Nepal

1. What and how is Nepal

• is one of the world's most densely populated countries!
• has a population of 125m inhabitants
• is one of the poorest countries in the world with a GNP of $200 per head
• has three of the world's most powerful rivers passing through its country - The Ganges, the Meghna & the Brahmaputra
• contains virtually no raw materials or rock
• experiences floods and tropical storms every year

• Most of the country consists of a huge flood plain and delta
• 70% of the total area is less than 1 metre above sea level
• 10% of the land area is made up of Lakes and Rivers
• Snowmelt from the Himalayas takes place in late spring & summer
• Nepal experiences many monsoon rains, especially over the highlands
• Tropical storms bring heavy rains and coastal flooding
• The main cause was the above average & long period of heavy rain which caused all 3 rivers to have their peak flow at the same time

What caused all these floods

• Deforestation in Nepal and the Himalayas increases run off and adds to deposition and flooding downstream
• Urbanisation of the flood plain has increased magnitude & frequency of floods
• Global warming is blamed for sea level rise, increased snow melt & increased rainfall in the region
• Poorly maintained embankments (levees) leak & collapse in times of high discharge

How to manage the floods- The methods:

Short term methods:

• Boats to rescue people
• Emergency supplies for food, water, tents and medicines
• Fodder for livestock
• Repair and rebuild houses, as well as services such as sewage etc
• Aid from other countries

Long term methods:

• Reduce Deforestation in Nepal & Himalayas
• Build 7 large dams in Bangladesh to store excess water $30-$40 million and 40 yrs to complete
• Build 5000 flood shelters to accommodate all the population
• Build 350km of embankment - 7 metres high at a cost of $6 billion to reduce flooding along the main river channels
• Create flood water storage areas
• Develop an effective Flood Warning Scheme