Tibet-Nepal Flood Crisis and its Wider Implications

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The recent flood on August 26 affecting Tibet and Nepal has reported a tragic death toll of 1,453, with 5,200 people missing on the Nepali side. In Tibet, however, the situation is different under Chinese governance, where there is a denial of basic rights, including the recognition of deaths. The Tibetan administration launched a WeChat alert for missing persons, but it was shut down after 219 people were reported missing. Social media restrictions and potential fines discourage citizens from contradicting official figures of 43 deaths.

Critics argue that this information control is intended to prevent inquiry into the disaster’s causes. Himalayan communities are calling for an end to mega-dam construction, pointing to China’s aggressive dam-building on Tibetan rivers as a disaster catalyst. China finances over a quarter of Nepal’s 570 hydropower projects, advancing its geopolitical strategy to reduce Nepal’s reliance on Indian energy. However, constructing reservoirs beneath fragile glaciers poses environmental risks. These reservoirs intensify warming in the region, similar to natural glacial lakes.

For the people in the Himalayas, these dams represent a significant risk. Scientists warn about the potential of bursting glacial lakes due to climate change. The Himalayas contain around 14,000 lakes, with melting accelerating and creating more dangerous bodies of water. A 9th-century treaty separated Tibetan and Chinese happiness geographically, while a proverb emphasized living harmoniously with nature. This historical disconnect contributes to Beijing’s repeated mismanagement of Tibet’s environment.

From poor agricultural policies to forced relocations, China’s disregard for Tibetan ecological knowledge has been harmful. While many societies value Indigenous wisdom in addressing ecological crises, China increases efforts to suppress minority cultures. The adoption of residential school systems in Tibet is reminiscent of past mistakes in North America.

If China remains ignorant of the ecological risks in the Himalayas, it risks aggravating glacial floods and altering the Tibetan ecosystem balance. The effects of Tibet’s ecosystem management extend to neighboring countries and even China itself. The potential failure of one of China’s many dams could surpass previous catastrophic floods.

The ancient wisdom of considering the source of resources might serve China’s leaders better than current policies that threaten Tibetan culture. The traditional knowledge of the very culture they aim to dismantle could be essential for addressing contemporary climate challenges and securing the region’s future.

Tenzin Bhagen (Yeshi Dorje) is a Tibetan writer and former journalist who has contributed to environmental protection efforts in the Himalayas.