Climate crisis likely behind devastating Nepal-Tibet floods that killed more than 1,300, first study finds
Summary
A recent scientific study found that climate change likely caused a glacier collapse in Nepal and Tibet, resulting in deadly floods that killed over 1,300 people. Warmer temperatures weakened the glacier, which released a massive avalanche of snow and ice, triggering fast and destructive floods.Key Facts
- The glacier collapse occurred on August 26 on Langtang Lirung mountain, releasing about 110 million cubic meters of snow and ice.
- More than 1,300 people died and 5,000 remain missing due to the floods.
- The avalanche fell 1,400 meters and caused an earthquake-level impact.
- Climate change caused the region to warm about 2°C since pre-industrial times, with record highs shortly before the disaster.
- Rising temperatures have shifted the freezing line higher, weakening mountain slopes by melting permafrost (frozen soil).
- The glacier has been shrinking, losing support and releasing meltwater that contributed to instability.
- A 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015 also damaged the area, increasing vulnerability to collapse.
- This event is very rare, estimated to happen once every 1,000 to 10,000 years under normal conditions, showing limits to how much local communities can adapt.
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