Nepal needs climate and disaster diplomacy as strategic foreign policy priority

Nepal is mourning the catastrophic consequences of a massive rock-ice avalanche and subsequent debris flow. The disaster sent a devastating mud-rock slurry through transboundary river networks. Originating in the high-altitude reaches of the Lhende Khola, the deluge swept into the Purepu Tsangpo, Chhochen Khola, and Gyirong River in China before entering Nepal. It then funnelled violently down the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river basins, compounding the devastation and worsening conditions for thousands of people.

Hundreds have been confirmed dead, thousands remain missing, and infrastructure worth billions has been destroyed. Amid this unimaginable tragedy, remarkable stories of rescue continue to emerge. The courage of local communities and the deep sense of solidarity demonstrated within Nepal and by the international community provide a glimmer of hope.