Nepalese Youth Demand Climate Aid Over Sympathy After Flood

Nepal, which was hit by a major flood on August 26, experienced large-scale anti-government protests last year. The country’s Gen Z generation—Nepalese in their teens and 20s—took to the streets in September last year, angered by the corruption of the established political elite and the lack of job opportunities for the youth, following the government’s attempt to block social media (SNS). The protests eventually led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sharma Oli, 74. Amid this situation, Nepalese youth affected by the recent flood have been raising serious questions about the country’s national system and the global order surrounding Nepal.

◇“Government Alerts Did Not Arrive”

Youths this newspaper met in Nepal said the national disaster alert system did not function ahead of the recent flood. No government-issued disaster text messages or sirens were received to warn of or predict the flood. They said they learned about the flood through foreign social media (SNS) such as Facebook and TikTok. They argued that the SNS platforms, which the government had tried to block last year, had effectively replaced the government’s role during the flood.

Ayushi Pokharel, 20, a university student, said, “I asked people around me, but no one had received a government disaster text or siren alert.” Rudracha Joshi, 26, a content creator, said, “I checked the government’s official Facebook page for information, but by then the situation had already become too dangerous.”

Allok Shrestha Neupane, 21, a university student, said the disaster response system could have reduced damage if it had been in place, adding, “We need to examine how prepared we were, how quickly alerts were delivered to the public, and whether rescue and relief efforts were carried out in a timely manner in light of this tragedy.” Akash Pandey, 26, a university student, said, “The Nepalese government rejected a foreign offer to dispatch search and rescue teams in the early stages of the flood crisis,” adding, “It was a hard-to-understand decision at a time when more lives needed to be saved faster.”

◇“A Crisis We Did Not Create”

Nepalese youth viewed the recent flood as a disaster caused by advanced industrial societies. As a Himalayan mountainous country, Nepal has many glaciers and glacial lakes, making it highly vulnerable to climate change due to rising temperatures. However, as a developing country, Nepal’s greenhouse gas emissions have been negligible compared to major countries. Prabesh Paudel, 21, a university student, said, “The countries that have emitted the most greenhouse gases bear the greatest responsibility for this flood,” adding, “Nepal has hardly contributed to climate change but is suffering severe damage.”

According to statistics from the World Carbon Project, the United States accounts for 24 percent of global cumulative carbon emissions since 1750, the largest share. This is followed by China (15 percent), Russia (6.7 percent), Germany (5.2 percent), and the United Kingdom (4.4 percent). Nepal accounts for just 0.01 percent.

The youth said global relief efforts should not stop at one-time support such as donations and relief supplies but should lead to an upgrade of Nepal’s national system. Prabesh said, “Developed countries have an obligation to help us prepare before disasters strike,” adding, “We need technology and knowledge to prevent and prepare for disasters, early warning systems, stronger infrastructure, and long-term support.” Akash said, “Do not sympathize only when a disaster occurs; help us build the strength to overcome the next disaster together.”

◇“We Will Not Abandon Nepal”

Nepal is a country where youth emigration for jobs has become common due to a lack of employment opportunities. The flood has also dealt a heavy blow to industries Nepal has been nurturing as growth engines, such as tourism and hydropower. However, Allok, a university student, said, “I want to create a Nepal where young people do not have to leave the country for their future.” Nikita Sharma, 18, a university student, said, “I do not want Nepal to be known only for disasters, poverty, and political problems,” adding, “We may not be rich, but our dreams are not small or poor.”

The Nepalese youth who demanded political reform on the streets last year headed to the flood-affected areas this time. The youth group Gen Z Chitwan distributed relief supplies and volunteered in the flood-hit areas of Bagmati Province immediately after the flood. Prabesh said, “We cannot reform the country just by complaining on SNS,” adding, “When the country faces difficulties, young people should gather, act, and help each other.” Akash said, “The Nepal the youth want to show is not a country that needs help but one that is ready to learn, rebuild, and stand on its own.”