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Showing posts with label climate and weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label climate and weather. Show all posts
Navigating Nepal's Battle with Natural Disasters: Floods and Droughts
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| Dry spell at transplanting and tillering time; and Inundation at the crop harvesting time. |
Introduction:
Nepal, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, faces an array of natural and human-induced disasters with increasing frequency and intensity. As one of the world's highest-risk countries for various types of disasters, Nepal's geographic and societal fabric constantly grapples with the looming threat of calamities. While volcanic eruptions are not a concern, the nation experiences a wide range of disasters, including floods, landslides, fires, epidemics, avalanches, and more. This article will delve into two major natural hazards: floods and droughts, exploring their impact and historical occurrences in Nepal.
Floods: A Frequent and Devastating Hazard
Floods are a recurrent and highly destructive natural hazard in Nepal, particularly during the monsoon season. With over 6,000 rivers and rivulets coursing through its terrain, many originating from snow-fed Himalayan ranges, the nation's topography amplifies the intensity of floods. Notable snow-fed rivers like the Koshi, Narayani, Karnali, and Mahakali surge during monsoon, causing substantial damage to villages, farmlands, and inhabitants within their basins. The steep, rugged terrain and high-angle slopes, coupled with complex geology, make Nepal susceptible to flooding and landslides during the monsoon. Historical data highlights significant flood events, including the 1978 Tinao basin flood, the 1980 Koshi River flood, and the devastating 1993 Kulekhani cloud burst, which claimed 1,336 lives. Nepal ranks 30th globally in terms of flood hazard (UNDP/BCPR, 2004). Notable recent flood disasters occurred in 2008, 2014, 2017, 2021, and 2022, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Some of the most devastating floods in Nepal over the past 23 years include:
- - 2001: Sarlahi flood (198 lives lost, 105 injured)
- - 2005: Kanchanpur flood due to monsoon rains
- - 2008: Koshi River flood in August and Western Nepal floods in September
- - 2014: Severe flooding affecting 17 districts, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and crops
- - 2017: 35 districts affected, with 4 lakh people displaced due to heavy seasonal rain-triggered floods, with Saptari hit the hardest
- - 2021: Significant flood damage in Melamchi Bazaar
- - 2021 and 2022: Floods and inundation during the paddy harvesting season causing crop damage in western Nepal
- - 2022: Darchula flood following heavy rainfall in September
Drought: A Pervasive Challenge
While floods are a pressing concern, drought is another frequently occurring hazard, particularly in certain regions of Nepal. Parts of the Terai, mid-lands, and Trans-Himalayan belts are susceptible to drought, with the lack of irrigation facilities exacerbating its effects. Irregular monsoonic rainfall in the mountainous region of Nepal is a significant factor contributing to drought. Notably damaging droughts occurred in 1972, 1979, and 1994, affecting crops, livestock, and people. Prolonged dry spells and drought-like situations occur yearly, primarily due to irregular and insufficient monsoon rainfall.
Some recent instances of drought and dry spells include:
- - 2008/2009: Severe drought, resulting in a 15% reduction in national production of major food crops such as barley and wheat.
- - 2015: A severe summer drought causing food insecurity in western Nepal, impacting over 80% of the population.
- - 2021: A dry spell contributing to widespread wildfires.
- - 2022/23: Prolonged dry spell in western Nepal during the mid-monsoon season.
Conclusion:
Nepal's struggle with natural disasters, particularly floods and droughts, underscores the urgency of disaster preparedness and resilience-building in the country. The devastating consequences of these events, as evident in the loss of lives and property, highlight the need for proactive measures and international cooperation to address these challenges. Nepal's unique geographical and climatic features demand adaptive solutions that can mitigate the impact of such disasters and support the affected communities in their path to recovery.
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| Agrometeorological Station, Khajura, Nepal. Pic: by author |
Nepal's Diverse Seasons and Their Impact on Agriculture
Introduction:
Nepal is a land of incredible natural diversity, and this diversity extends to its seasons, which play a crucial role in the country's agriculture. With a unique blend of meteorological, cultural, and agricultural factors, Nepal experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own significance and impact on farming practices. In this article, we'll explore the different seasons in Nepal, their alignment with the Hindu calendar, and their influence on agricultural activities.
The Four Seasons of Nepal:
1. Rainy or Monsoon (June – September):
- The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and lush green landscapes. It's a time of replenishing water resources, vital for agriculture.
- Major crops: Monsoon paddy, millet, and maize.
2. Autumn or Post Monsoon (October – November):
- Post-monsoon is characterized by clear skies and pleasant weather. This season is ideal for harvesting and planting winter crops.
- Major crops: Wheat and oilseeds.
3. Winter (December – February):
- Winter in Nepal sees lower temperatures, especially in the hilly regions. This season requires specific crops suited to cold weather.
- Major crops: Wheat, legumes, and cold-tolerant vegetables.
4. Summer or Spring or Pre-monsoon (March/April – May/June):
- The pre-monsoon period welcomes warmer temperatures, and farmers prepare for the monsoon planting season.
- Major crops: Spring paddy, vegetables, and legumes.
Seasons in Nepal According to the Hindu Calendar:
In Nepal, the traditional Hindu calendar plays a significant role in cultural and agricultural activities. The alignment of seasons with the Hindu calendar provides a deeper connection between nature and daily life. The seasons in the Hindu calendar are as follows:
1. Basanta (Spring): Chaitra-Baishakh
2. Grishma (Summer): Jestha-Asar
3. Barsa (Rainy): Asar - Bhadra
4. Sharad (Autumn): Asoj - Kartik
5. Hemanta (Pre-winter): Mangsir-Poush
6. Shishir (Winter): Magh-Falgun
Agricultural Seasons in Nepal:
The diverse seasons in Nepal significantly influence agricultural practices. These seasons align with the Hindu calendar and affect crop selection and cultivation. The agricultural seasons are as follows:
1. Rainy (Barse or Barkhe or Kharif):
- Corresponds with the monsoon season, making it ideal for paddy cultivation.
- Additional crops: Millet, maize, and other rain-dependent crops.
2. Winter (Hiude or Rabi):
- The post-monsoon and winter seasons are excellent for growing cold-tolerant crops.
- Major crops: Wheat and oilseeds.
3. Spring (Basante):
- Spring is a transition period, and it provides opportunities for cultivating various crops.
- Major crops: Spring paddy, vegetables, and legumes.
Categorizing Growing Seasons:
Growing seasons in Nepal are categorized based on monthly precipitation and temperature. The criteria for these divisions are as follows:
- Hot Month: When the average temperature is above 20°C.
- Cold Month: When the mean temperature falls between 0-10°C.
- Warm Month: When the mean temperature is between 15-20°C.
Conclusion:
Nepal's rich cultural traditions and diverse climatic conditions have led to a unique system of seasons that deeply influence agricultural practices. Understanding the different growing seasons and their alignment with the Hindu calendar is essential for farmers, as it allows them to make informed decisions about crop selection and planting times. This synergy between nature, culture, and agriculture highlights the importance of seasonal knowledge in Nepal's farming communities.
