Yesterday’s extremes, today’s new normal: flood risk in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Rocky Talchabhadel (), Jeeban Panthi, Vishnu P. Pandey, Biplob Rakhal, Ganesh R. Ghimire, Sunil Bista, Saurav Bhattarai, Subash Poudel, Yogesh Bhattarai, Rajaram Prajapati, Bhesh R. Thapa, Bikash Nepal and Sanjib Sharma
Additional contact information
Rocky Talchabhadel: Jackson State University
Jeeban Panthi: Kansas State University
Vishnu P. Pandey: Tribhuvan University
Biplob Rakhal: World Food Programme
Ganesh R. Ghimire: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Sunil Bista: Jackson State University
Saurav Bhattarai: Jackson State University
Subash Poudel: Jackson State University
Yogesh Bhattarai: Howard University
Rajaram Prajapati: University of Pittsburgh
Bhesh R. Thapa: Pokhara University
Bikash Nepal: Government of Nepal
Sanjib Sharma: Howard University

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2025, vol. 121, issue 16, No 41, 19409-19423

Abstract: Abstract Unplanned urban growth has left many cities increasingly vulnerable to extreme rainfall events, particularly in regions with inadequate drainage infrastructures and development encroaching on natural floodplains. In this perspective paper, we examine the September 2024 floods that struck Central Nepal, triggered by a persistent low-pressure system and enhanced by converging moisture flows from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal which led to widespread catastrophic damage. In the Kathmandu Valley, floodwaters expanded to more than 2.5 times the bankfull water extent, causing significant damage to housing, transportation network, and critical infrastructure, displacing thousands of residents, and severely disrupting urban services. This event highlights the urgent need for improved flood management strategies that integrate both structural and non-structural measures into the infrastructure development. While early warning systems provided critical lead time, challenges remain in reducing forecasting uncertainties and improving communication across government agencies and with local communities. A forward-looking approach is essential, including probabilistic flood forecasting systems, sustainable floodplain management, risk-sensitive land use planning, climate- and disaster- resilient infrastructure development, and the integration of nature-based solutions like urban green and blue spaces to mitigate flood impacts. By involving local communities in planning and preparedness efforts, particularly through citizen science initiatives, and engagement with underserved and disadvantaged communities, Nepal can better adapt to the growing risks posed by extreme rainfall and urban flooding and enhance long-term disaster resilience in rapidly urbanizing areas like Kathmandu Valley.

Keywords: Extreme Weather; Vulnerability; Urbanization; Flood Risk Management; Kathmandu Valley (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-025-07524-5

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