Nepal floods highlight growing glacier risks in warming Himalayas
Summary
A deadly flash flood in Nepal was likely caused by a large piece of glacier breaking off and blocking a river, which later released a huge surge of water downstream. The flood killed at least 273 people and left over 1,300 missing, causing severe damage to homes and infrastructure.Key Facts
- Scientists believe a large part of a glacier fell and temporarily blocked a river in Nepal.
- The water buildup behind the glacier dam suddenly surged downstream, causing the flash flood.
- The U.S. Geological Survey detected a magnitude 5.2 glacier collapse through seismic data and satellite images.
- The flood killed at least 273 people and left more than 1,300 missing, including foreigners and pilgrims.
- Water levels in rivers nearby rose by up to 9 meters (about 30 feet) in just 30 minutes.
- The flood damaged roads, bridges, buildings, and hydropower dams in the Himalayan region.
- Scientists said it is too soon to directly link this disaster to global warming, but warming increases the risk of glacier collapses.
- The Himalayan area is warming faster than many other parts of the world, which leads to melting glaciers.
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