AGP Executive Report

COP31 and Climate Justice: At a Kathmandu climate summit, Nepal urged major polluters to turn climate justice into action and said it will prioritize Himalayan protection, loss and damage, and accessible climate finance at COP31. Recovery from August’s floods is estimated at about US$4.7 billion. Rising Disaster Risk: A new study warns that 300,000 people may live in Himalayan disaster zones. Built-up areas in high-risk locations grew 45% from 2016 to 2023, and development near glacial lakes rose nearly 78%, driven partly by poorly planned construction and tourism. Flood Recovery and Warnings: The government plans to publish a detailed assessment of Bhotekoshi and Trishuli flood damage before Tihar, while lawmakers seek clearer records of relief spending. Officials also called for cross-border data-sharing and early warnings as a Bhutan glacial-lake outburst prompted alerts downstream in India.

Storm Alert: Cyclone Arnab killed five people in India and prompted mass evacuations; its remnants could bring rain and mountain snowfall to Nepal through Saturday, the weather department warns. Himalayan Risk: A new study finds built-up land in high-risk areas of Nepal and neighbouring regions grew 45% from 2016 to 2023, with development near glacial lakes up 78%—potentially placing 300,000 people in harm’s way. Disaster Preparedness: Nepal has urged regional partners to use satellite monitoring and shared data to track glacial lakes and unstable slopes, turning warnings into timely action. Flood Recovery: A UN loss-and-damage grant of about $20 million is only a fraction of Nepal’s estimated Rs 723 billion recovery need. A parliamentary committee is pressing the government to disclose relief-fund receipts, allocations and spending in affected communities.

Extreme Weather: Cyclone Arnab is forecast to bring rain and mountain snowfall to Nepal through Saturday. Authorities have urged trekkers to avoid high-altitude areas from Oct. 29–31. Growing Himalayan Risk: A new study estimates 300,000 people live in potential disaster zones across parts of Nepal, Tibet and India. Built-up land in studied high-risk areas grew 45% from 2016 to 2023, and nearly 78% around glacial lakes. Regional Climate Action: Nepal is pushing for satellite monitoring and shared data to track Himalayan hazards. Calls for a binding regional climate agreement and a results-focused COP31 agenda put climate justice and loss and damage at the centre. Flood Recovery: A parliamentary committee wants detailed records of damage to farms, livestock, fisheries and biodiversity across 49 flood-hit wards to guide rehabilitation.

Cyclone Watch: Cyclone Arnab killed at least three people in India and damaged crops and infrastructure. Nepal warned of heavy rain, snowfall and avalanche danger from Thursday night through Saturday, with river levels expected to rise. Disaster Preparedness: In Bangkok, Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha called for regional satellite-data sharing and stronger early-warning systems, citing Nepal’s recent disaster losses of about $2.7 billion. Nepal also plans to expand flood warnings across six river basins and reduce risks at four glacial lakes. Recovery Funding: Nepal’s $20 million allocation from the UN Loss and Damage Fund is a small share of estimated recovery needs; calls are growing for climate-resilient rebuilding after the Bhote Koshi flood. Highland Livelihoods: A new network linking yak herders in Nepal, Bhutan and India will support knowledge-sharing and joint advocacy as declining herds and worsening rangelands threaten traditional livelihoods.

Storm and Trekking Risks: Nepal has suspended restricted-area trekking permits for Oct. 29–31 as Cyclone Arnab threatens heavy rain, snowfall, avalanches and rising river levels. Authorities are urging trekkers already in the mountains to stay put in safe locations, while forecasts warn of possible floods and landslides across the hills and Tarai. Climate Finance: The UN’s loss-and-damage fund has set aside about $20 million for Nepal’s flood recovery, but the country estimates its needs at $4.7 billion. The allocation still requires a funding proposal and final approval, leaving questions over how soon help will reach affected communities. Disaster Preparedness: Nepal plans to expand flood-warning systems across six river basins and reduce risks at four high-risk glacial lakes after deadly floods. A parliamentary committee is also seeking ward-by-ward records of damage and relief to track recovery needs. Climate Displacement: The UN migration chief warns that climate impacts could force up to 40.5 million people across South Asia to move by 2050, with Nepal’s recent glacier-linked disaster underscoring the region’s growing risks.

Storm Alert: Remnants of Cyclone Arnab could bring rain and high-mountain snow to Nepal from Thursday, raising avalanche and landslide risks as paddy harvest and trekking season continue. Officials urge farmers and trekkers to take precautions. Flood Recovery: Two months after the deadly August floods, many survivors remain displaced and say promised monthly support has not arrived. Nepal’s recovery needs are estimated at $4.71 billion, while a newly approved UN loss-and-damage grant of $20 million covers only a fraction; spending priorities are still undecided. Disaster Readiness: Nepal plans to expand flood warnings across six river basins and reduce risks at glacial lakes, but the latest storm underscores the need for timely alerts and practical protection for exposed communities. Regional River Risks: Chinese researchers project rising Brahmaputra runoff and flood risk this century, adding urgency to cross-border planning as China builds a major dam on the river’s upper reaches.

Severe Weather: A Bay of Bengal cyclone is forecast to bring rain to parts of Nepal from Thursday and possible Himalayan snowfall, raising risks for harvests and trekkers. Disaster Preparedness: Nepal plans flood warnings across six river basins and to lower water levels in four high-risk glacial lakes, as it works to improve weather monitoring after deadly floods. Air Quality: Kathmandu’s pollution data remains patchy, with about 30 government monitoring stations compared with an estimated need of 200–230; low-cost sensors could help fill local gaps. Transboundary Rivers: Chinese researchers project rising runoff and flood risks on the Brahmaputra this century, underscoring concerns for downstream communities as China builds a vast dam on the river. Climate Finance: The UN Loss and Damage Fund has earmarked $21.6 million for Nepal’s flood recovery—an important first grant, but far below estimated reconstruction needs of $5 billion. Wildlife: Chitwan Rhinos will direct 5% of merchandise sales to one-horned rhino conservation.

Weather Alert: A Bay of Bengal system expected to intensify into a cyclone could bring rain to parts of Nepal from Thursday, with possible Himalayan snowfall. Farmers, trekkers and climbers are urged to take care. Flood Preparedness: Nepal plans to expand early-warning systems across six river basins and lower water levels in four high-risk glacial lakes after August’s deadly floods. Climate Finance: The UN Loss and Damage Fund has set aside about $20 million for Nepal’s recovery—far below estimated needs. Three Adaptation Fund projects also received grants to develop proposals worth nearly $45 million. Relief and Recovery: LIFE delivered food, hygiene kits and shelter supplies to flood-hit families in Nuwakot. Wildlife: Chitwan Rhinos will direct 5% of merchandise revenue to one-horned rhino conservation. Cross-Border Risk: Chinese researchers warn that warming could increase Brahmaputra runoff and flood risks this century, raising concerns for communities downstream.

Flood and Glacier Safety: Nepal plans early-warning systems across six river basins and risk reduction at four high-risk glacial lakes, under a proposed $49.9 million programme. New government white papers also flag shortages of technology and skilled staff that could hamper forecasting. Climate Finance: The UN Loss and Damage Fund has set aside $20 million for Nepal’s flood recovery—less than 0.5% of estimated needs. The money has not yet been disbursed; Nepal must submit a plan for approval. Separately, the Adaptation Fund approved three Nepali projects, including ecosystem conservation and flood and landslide warnings. Mountain Risks: A Nepal-China study found ice avalanches across High Mountain Asia are growing more frequent and severe, threatening communities and transport routes. Heat Preparedness: Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Bhutan are joining efforts to improve heat-risk planning and protect vulnerable communities. Wildlife and Livelihoods: Farmers near Chitwan National Park face heavy crop losses as wild elephants raid paddy fields.

Climate Finance: Nepal has secured a historic US$20 million grant from the UN Loss and Damage Fund for flood recovery, but the amount is only a fraction of the disaster’s costs. The country must submit a project plan to access the funding. Adaptation: The Adaptation Fund has approved three Nepali projects, including US$9.9 million for ecosystem conservation in the Koshi region and US$30 million for flood and landslide early warnings across the Hindu Kush Himalaya. Disaster Readiness: Nepal plans to expand flood warnings across six river basins and lower water levels in four high-risk glacial lakes, even as the hydrology department reports shortages of staff, technology and funding. Regional Cooperation: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari urged Nepal, India and China to share weather data, monitor glaciers and strengthen early warnings as climate risks grow. Wetlands: Migratory birds have begun arriving in Nepal, with more than 160 species expected to seek winter refuge in the country’s wetlands.

Climate Finance: The Loss and Damage Fund has made its first-ever country allocation, approving $20 million (about Rs 3 billion) for Nepal’s recovery from the August floods, which killed 1,500 people and left more than 5,000 missing. Nepal must still submit a project proposal, and the grant covers only a fraction of the losses. Adaptation: The Adaptation Fund approved three Nepal proposals focused on nature-based solutions, resilient communities and stronger flood and landslide warnings. Himalayan Cooperation: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari urged Nepal, India and China to share weather data, monitor glaciers and coordinate disaster response, calling for climate justice and reliable international support. Weather Alert: A Bay of Bengal system could bring rain to parts of Nepal and snow in the high Himalayas from October 28 to November 1; farmers and trekkers have been advised to take precautions. Highland Livelihoods: A new Nepal-Bhutan-India yak herders’ network aims to tackle climate change, shrinking rangelands and declining yak populations.

Weather Alert: A Bay of Bengal cyclone could bring rain to Nepal and snow to the high Himalayas from October 28 to November 1. Officials urge farmers to protect ripening paddy and trekkers to take care at altitude. Himalayan Cooperation: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari called for Nepal, India and China to share weather data, monitor glaciers and improve early warnings and disaster response, urging global support for climate justice. Flood Recovery: Nepal is preparing a proposal to access about $20 million from the UN Loss and Damage Fund for flood recovery. The grant is a first, but covers less than 1% of estimated needs. Highland Livelihoods: A new network for yak herders in Nepal, India and Bhutan aims to tackle shared pressures, including shrinking grazing lands, declining yak populations, wildlife attacks and climate change. Disaster Research: Scientists are investigating how climate change may have influenced Nepal’s devastating August flash flood.

Regional Disaster: A magnitude-7 earthquake in Tibet killed at least 16 people, injured 32 and collapsed more than 300 homes, underscoring the risks facing remote Himalayan communities. Climate Finance: The UN Loss and Damage Fund has earmarked $20 million for Nepal’s August floods—the fund’s first disaster-specific allocation. It is less than 1% of estimated recovery needs, and Nepal must submit a proposal before the money can be released. Climate-Resilient Health: UNFPA’s model in Rautahat shows how equipped health posts and trained staff can keep maternal and newborn care running during disasters. Wildlife: Nepal’s 397 snow leopards face shrinking habitat and prey as climate change affects high mountain ecosystems. River Pollution: A new report finds rivers flowing through Kathmandu Valley are turning toxic.

Loss and Damage: The UN fund has set aside about $20 million for Nepal’s flood recovery—the first time it has earmarked aid for a specific disaster. Nepal must submit a proposal before receiving it, and the sum is less than 1% of the estimated $4.7 billion reconstruction bill. Mountain Coexistence: On World Snow Leopard Day, conservation advocates stressed that protecting the cats depends on helping herders absorb livestock losses, through measures such as insurance and predator-proof corrals. Nepal’s 2025 survey estimated 397 snow leopards. Flood-Resilient Infrastructure: The Bhotekoshi disaster has exposed the risks of bridges built with mid-river pillars. Experts are urging Nepal to adopt long-span designs better able to withstand floods and debris. COP31: Nepal is preparing to push for climate finance, climate justice and stronger support for mountain-risk management.

Loss and Damage: The UN fund has earmarked $20 million for Nepal after August’s climate-linked glacier flood—the first country-specific allocation from the fund. Nepal must still submit a proposal before the money can be released. The grant is less than 1% of estimated reconstruction needs of about $4.8 billion; the disaster killed around 1,500 people and left more than 5,000 missing. Recovery: Displaced residents from Timure are urging the government to help them return to safe places in their own community. Rebuilding must address risks as well as restore homes and infrastructure. COP31: Nepal is finalising its position paper for next month’s summit, prioritising climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, and support for mountain communities facing glacier-related hazards. Local livelihoods: A successful cardamom trial in Myagdi is encouraging farmers to expand cultivation on land left barren by an earlier landslide.

COP31 Priorities: Nepal is finalising its position paper for November’s climate summit in Türkiye, seeking more climate finance, adaptation support and funding for loss and damage. Experts urge grants, faster access to climate funds and recognition of non-economic losses, alongside support for glacier-lake monitoring and disaster preparedness. Flood Recovery: Families affected by the Rasuwa disaster are still waiting for relief as Nepal appeals to the UN loss-and-damage fund, which has yet to disburse money. The disaster killed 1,455 people, injured nearly 7,000 and left thousands unaccounted for; rebuilding needs are estimated at $4.7 billion, adding pressure to a country already taking on loans. El Niño Watch: The WMO warns a potentially exceptional El Niño could bring hotter conditions and weaker rainfall to South Asia from November, raising concerns about drought and further strain on vulnerable communities.