Climate crisis could be destabilising mountain areas like Nepal, experts warn
Summary
A glacier collapse in the Himalayas caused a deadly flash flood along the Nepal-Tibet border, killing at least 360 people and leaving 1,400 missing. Experts say this disaster shows how climate change is weakening glaciers and mountain permafrost, increasing the risk of such events in mountainous areas.Key Facts
- The flood was caused by a glacier collapse near Langtang Lirung mountain in the Himalayas.
- Initial reports blamed an earthquake, but experts confirmed the seismic activity came from the glacier collapse itself.
- The flood swept away buildings, roads, and caused at least 360 deaths and 1,400 missing persons.
- The glacier collapse pushed rocks and debris into nearby rivers, making water levels rise rapidly by 7 to 9 meters in 30 minutes.
- High temperatures and heatwaves melted ice that helped hold the glacier and mountain rock together.
- Monsoon rains saturated the soil, adding to the instability that caused the flood.
- Scientists warn that warming temperatures are making glaciers and frozen ground (permafrost) unstable worldwide.
- The UN and climate experts say these types of disasters will become more common as global temperatures rise.
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