Nepal seeks $20 million climate fund after deadly floods

Nepal has requested $20 million from the UN-backed Loss and Damage Fund after floods and landslides reportedly killed more than 1,400 people in August and left thousands missing. Environment Minister Geeta Chaudhary told Deutsche Welle that the government had issued an official request and received positive responses from most countries.

The fund is intended to support countries facing irreversible climate-related losses. Nepal’s request remains under consideration, while rescue and recovery efforts continue and authorities assess the full extent of the damage to homes, farmland and infrastructure.

Chaudhary said Nepal was seeking climate justice, stronger adaptation financing and direct access to climate funds. The Himalayan nation contributes roughly 0.1 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions but says its geography leaves it highly exposed to floods, landslides, extreme weather and glacial hazards.

Nepal plans to raise the disaster and wider risks facing mountain countries at the United Nations General Assembly and COP31. Chaudhary said the government would seek greater recognition of the challenges facing Himalayan regions in international climate discussions.

The disaster has also prompted a review of Nepal’s early-warning systems after residents reported that warnings came too late or did not reflect the scale of the danger. Authorities are working to strengthen monitoring, while technical teams are sharing information with China on river systems and glacial hazards.