Hi, I’m Aaishma. It’s been a few days since the relentless monsoon rains stopped, and the sun has finally returned to grace our skies. While everyone is beginning the long process of recovery, I can’t help but wonder—will this happen again? How do we prepare for it next time?
For those of us who experienced the flooding, especially here in Kathmandu, it’s not just about rebuilding what was lost. It’s about rethinking how we approach urban planning and rural architecture in Nepal. I’m an architect with a focus on resilience through sustainable and affordable materials, and I believe now is the time to shift our mindset from merely surviving to thriving.
Late Monsoon Havoc
This year’s monsoon arrived late but left behind unprecedented destruction, particularly in late September when heavy rains triggered deadly flash floods and landslides. Across Nepal, 236 lives were lost, and thousands of families were displaced. In Kathmandu Valley, we saw entire neighborhoods like Balkhu and Teku submerged under floodwaters, with major bridges and highways washed away. Our cultural heritage sites weren’t spared either, with old buildings and temples suffering significant damage(The Himalayan Times)(Nepali Times).
Rural areas were hit hardest, especially the agricultural sector, with paddy fields and farms ravaged just as crops were nearing harvest. Hydropower plants and irrigation systems were damaged, highlighting how critical our infrastructure vulnerabilities are. Flash floods, in particular, were disastrous for districts like Kavre, where rivers overflowed, taking lives and damaging critical roadways(Nepali Times).
The Danger of Flash Floods in the Capital
Kathmandu, our bustling capital, is no stranger to flooding, but the late monsoon brought a fresh wave of devastation. The sheer force of flash floods destroyed homes and even cut off entire communities. Notably, the Nakkhu Bridge, a vital lifeline for Lalitpur, was rendered inoperable, symbolizing how flash floods can paralyze the city and put lives at risk(Kathmandu Post). These events expose a stark reality: the infrastructures we depend on daily are not built to withstand these extreme weather conditions.
Why Resilience Matters
So, what can we do about it? It’s clear that resilience is no longer optional but a necessity. Our urban planning, architecture, and development policies must reflect the reality of climate change, with erratic weather patterns becoming more frequent. In Nepal, we can take several steps toward building resilience:
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Incorporating Sustainable, Local Materials: In rural areas, adopting natural materials like bamboo, stone, and mud, which are abundant and eco-friendly, can be crucial. These materials are not only affordable but also provide better insulation and resilience against harsh conditions. For example, in places like Dolakha and Dhading, where landslides are frequent, houses built with flexible and lightweight materials have a better chance of surviving disasters(The Himalayan Times).
Urban Planning with Disaster Preparedness in Mind: In cities like Kathmandu, we need to rethink drainage systems, protect our riversides from encroachment, and prioritize flood-resistant infrastructure. Strengthening buildings using earthquake-resistant technology is just one part of it. The same resilience thinking must apply to waterways, where better embankments, flood barriers, and sustainable waste management could drastically reduce flood risks.
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Community-Led Initiatives: Disaster preparedness isn’t just about physical structures. Community training programs and early-warning systems, especially in high-risk areas like Kavre and Lalitpur, can save lives. With proper planning, local communities can identify evacuation routes, manage water runoff, and protect crucial resources like drinking water facilities(Kathmandu Post).
Turning Crisis into Opportunity
We’ve seen what happens when we wait for disaster. But there’s also an opportunity here. Imagine a Kathmandu where we not only recover from floods but thrive despite them. Where homes are built to last, using locally sourced materials, and where communities are educated on how to act before a disaster strikes. It’s possible.
The question is, will we change our approach? It’s time to move from merely surviving floods to thriving in their wake. We must demand smarter, sustainable, and resilient development, both in rural and urban areas. By doing this, we can ensure that the next time the monsoon rains come late, we’ll be ready—not just to survive but to rise above the floodwaters, together.