Climate-Induced Disaster Vulnerability in Nepal’s Mountain Regions: A study of the June 2021 Flood event and its aftermath in Chame Village

Abstract

Abstract

This research paper examines the role of geographical marginality in determining vulnerability to climate-induced catastrophes in mountain regions of Nepal. Positioned in remote and isolated high-altitude areas, these regions are extremely exposed to hazards such as droughts, accelerated glacial melting, avalanches, and Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), all of which pose significant threats to human life, livelihoods and environments. Renowned as climate-induced hazard “red zones,” the study explores how the geographical and spatial characteristics of mountain landscapes of Nepal increase catastrophe impacts. The study is grounded on fieldwork carried out between June 2021 and October 2022, accompanied by follow-up field visits. It draws on primary data gathered through the lived experience of researcher as a flood survivor, participant observation, and collaborations with affected communities. Fundamental to the research is the 2021 flash flood in Manang district one of the harshest events in recent past which caused widespread destruction to infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and buildings, as well as to sacred sites and vital services such as electricity, water supply, and drainage systems. The catastrophe considerably disrupted everyday life and exposed the layered vulnerabilities coupled with geographic isolation. Findings shows that physical remoteness critically limited local response capacities, making rescue and emergency action exceptionally hard. State-led rescue and support efforts were inadequate due to communication breakdowns, transport delays, and the challenges caused by rugged landscape and unfavorable weather conditions. Recovery processes were further extended by the damage of the region’s only motorable road, intensifying risk exposure and increasing social susceptibility. Marginalized clusters including the children, pregnant women, elderly, and persons with disabilities faced unequal challenges during rescue and recovery. This study prompts policymakers and researchers to extend their emphasis beyond economic and social dimensions of vulnerability and to identify the critical impact of geographical influences in shaping climate-induced disaster risks.