Kiwi scientists trying to fathom why Nepal flash floods generated so much water

Dozens of people gathered in Auckland on Saturday despite heavy rain to hold a candlelight vigil honoring the victims of a deadly flash flood in Nepal earlier in the week. The event took place at Aotea Square in the central city and drew participants from the Nepali community and others who wanted to show solidarity with families awaiting news about loved ones still missing. Five New Zealanders are believed to be among those unaccounted for following the disaster, which occurred near the Nepal-China border. The names of the missing individuals, Mihir Patel, Kinnari Patel, Shweta Mhatre, Dejan Kuzmic, and Suhasini Reddy, have been shared by friends and family. The vigil marked a somber occasion for the Nepali community in New Zealand, who expressed deep concern over the loss of life and the uncertainty surrounding the fate of those still missing. Uday Shrestha, a member of the Nepali community in Auckland, emphasized the sudden nature of the disaster, noting that it caught everyone off guard. He stated that the community felt compelled to unite in support of those affected in Nepal. Roshan Khadka, president of the New Zealand Nepal Society, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the emotional toll on the community and the need for collective support during this difficult time. The event attracted notable figures, including Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell, National Party MPs Melissa Lee and Carlos Cheung, and Labour MP Vanushi Walters. Mitchell expressed solidarity with the community, stating that all of New Zealand stood behind them. Melissa Lee, visibly moved, described watching footage from Nepal as heartbreaking, while Carlos Cheung assured the community that the nation was united in its support. Indian Consul General Madan Mohan Sethi also attended the vigil, emphasizing India’s commitment to aiding Nepal in the aftermath of the disaster. Sethi visited the family of Kinnari and Mihir Patel, who are believed to be among the missing, offering his condolences and support. Details about the missing New Zealanders continue to emerge. Shweta Mhatre, a resident of Auckland, was participating in the Isha Foundation's Sacred Walks pilgrimage in Nepal when the flash flood struck. Friends and family have not heard from her since the incident, and the foundation has informed her emergency contacts about her situation. Sadhguru, the founder of the Isha Foundation, confirmed on social media that two New Zealanders were missing from his group. Dejan Kuzmic, another New Zealander believed to be missing, was part of the same pilgrimage. His family has been unable to reach him since the floods, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has opened a consular case for him. Mihir Patel and Kinnari Patel, owners of a dairy in Hamilton, were in Nepal to celebrate Kinnari’s 50th birthday. Their eldest son, Drishya Patel, expressed hope that his parents had managed to leave the affected area before the disaster struck. He mentioned that his mother had messaged him shortly before the flood began, indicating that they might have escaped the worst of it. Suhasini Reddy, a mother of two, was traveling toward the Nepal-China border when the flash flood hit. Her brother, Rajeev Reddy, noted that she had planned the trip for some time and was excited about the journey. However, she has not been heard from since the disaster, and communication with the area has been disrupted due to the destruction of an immigration checkpoint. Scientists are attempting to understand the causes behind the unprecedented volume of water generated by the flash flood. Earth Sciences New Zealand principal scientist Graham Leonard explained that a massive amount of rock and ice broke away from a high-altitude area near the Nepal-China border, creating a debris flow that traveled approximately 60 kilometers. This event, while not directly linked to climate change, highlights the increasing frequency of such disasters in high-mountain regions due to rising global temperatures. Leonard warned that warming conditions contribute to destabilizing glaciers, groundwater, and permafrost, leading to more frequent landslides and flooding. Similar phenomena are observed in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, where rapid glacier erosion is occurring. As the search for the missing continues, the international community remains focused on providing aid and support to Nepal. The situation underscores the vulnerability of remote regions to extreme weather events and the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of growing environmental challenges.