Risk profile

Nepal faces multiple natural hazards, including monsoon rains, frequent forest fires and, of particular worry in the area of Kathmandu, a high level of seismic activity. These natural risks are exacerbated by environmental degradation, deforestation and soil erosion - leading to a greater likelihood of devastating flash floods and landslides - while glacial melt associated with climate change seems to have increased the risk of glacial lake outburst floods.