Nepal PM calls deadly floods a ‘warning to the world’ at UN

Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah told world leaders on Thursday that devastating floods in the Himalayan nation were a “warning to the world” about the growing dangers of climate change, urging speedier action and greater support for vulnerable countries.

“The Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disaster was not just a local tragedy; it was a warning to the world,” Shah said in his address to the UN General Assembly. “And I ask you today: Have we really heard that warning?”

Reports said the late August disaster killed at least 1,400 people, with thousands still missing. Shah said Nepal contributes less than 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions but is facing severe consequences from a warming climate.

“We did not create this crisis, yet we are paying a colossal price for it,” Shah said, berating political leaders for not acting quickly enough to address climate warnings.

He called for international help in the form of grants, not more debt, to help rebuild flood-damaged infrastructure. He said the estimated recovery and reconstruction needs of Nepal were 10 per cent of its gross domestic product.

Shah also proposed more climate cooperation between Nepal, India and China, including sharing satellite data, monitoring glacial lakes and creating joint early warning systems.