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The devastating floods in Nepal should make Kashmir pause and look closely at its own vulnerabilities. Every year, heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides remind the Himalayan region that extreme weather is becoming a serious challenge. For Kashmir, where mountains, rivers and densely settled areas exist side by side, the warning cannot be ignored.
Nepal’s experience shows how quickly a natural event can turn into a major disaster when water levels rise, roads are damaged and communication links are cut. The lesson for Kashmir is simple. Disaster preparedness must begin before the rain starts.
Kashmir has witnessed several major floods and flash floods in recent years. The 2014 floods remain a painful reminder of how vulnerable Srinagar and other areas can be. Since then, construction has expanded in many places, including areas close to water bodies, streams and drainage channels. This has increased pressure on the natural drainage system.
The first lesson is to respect flood-prone areas. Development cannot come at the cost of rivers, wetlands and traditional water channels. Wetlands such as Hokersar, Anchar and other natural water bodies play an important role in absorbing excess water. Their protection should be treated as a disaster management priority.
The second lesson is the need for strong early warning systems. People should receive timely and clear alerts about rising water levels, flash floods and landslides. Warnings should reach villages, towns and remote mountain areas through multiple channels. A warning that reaches people late has little value.
The third lesson is better coordination. Police, civil administration, disaster response teams, health departments, municipalities and local communities must know their roles before an emergency. Regular mock drills can help authorities identify gaps in evacuation, rescue and communication systems.
Kashmir also needs stricter control over construction along rivers, streams and vulnerable slopes. Roads and bridges in mountain areas should be built after proper assessment of landslide and flood risks. Poor drainage can turn even heavy rainfall into an urban crisis.
Local communities must also become part of disaster planning. Residents often know which roads flood first, which streams overflow and which areas become isolated. Their experience can help authorities prepare better evacuation plans.
The Nepal floods are therefore more than a tragedy in a neighbouring Himalayan country. They are a warning for every mountain region. Kashmir cannot stop heavy rain or landslides, but it can reduce the damage through better planning, stronger infrastructure, responsible construction and faster response.
Preparedness should not begin when floodwater enters homes. It should begin when skies are clear.
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