Ice-rock avalanche likely triggered Bhotekoshi flood; quake link under probe
An ice-rock avalanche from a glacier is likely the cause of the recent flash flood in the Bhotekoshi river, according to scientists. The avalanche blocked the Lhende Khola, a tributary of Bhotekoshi, and released a sudden surge downstream. While a 4.4 magnitude earthquake minutes before the flood was investigated for potential terrain destabilization, no direct link to the avalanche was established.
Heavy rainfall was ruled out, as the area had received minimal precipitation. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) explained that the ice-rock avalanche created a temporary dam, causing water to accumulate and subsequently release, leading to the flood. Nepal's flood authorities also noted the formation of a lake behind the remaining blockage, further supporting the impounded water hypothesis.
The same area experienced a similar flash flood in July of last year, claiming nine lives and leaving 19 people missing. Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority linked that incident to a supraglacial lake on Purepu Glacier in Tibet, around 35km upstream of the Nepal-China border.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
