Nepal floods should spur climate action, UN official says

Nepal's deadly August floods should become a turning point for global climate action, UNOPS executive director Jorge Moreira da Silva said Saturday, urging international support for the Himalayan country's recovery.

The August 26 disaster was triggered by a mountain collapse near the China border. It killed more than 1,400 people and left more than 5,000 missing. Scientists said climate change played a significant role.

Moreira da Silva, who leads the UN Office for Project Services, said he had seen “massive devastation” during a visit to affected communities. Nepal estimates reconstruction will cost $4.78 billion.

“This is a defining moment not only for Nepal, this is a defining moment for the international community,” he said in Kathmandu.

He said it was unfair to ask a country that emits very little carbon dioxide to pay alone for consequences it did not generate, and called for global solidarity, climate justice and reconstruction that accounts for future climate risks.

The UN and humanitarian partners launched a $49.6 million appeal last month to provide emergency assistance to flood victims. Prime Minister Balendra Shah told the United Nations last month that the flooding was a warning to the world about the growing dangers of climate change.