What scientists know so far about Nepal's deadly floods
WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - Lethal surges of mud and water that hit "like liquid concrete" are nearly impossible to predict and can't be outrun.
On Wednesday morning, deadly floods and landslides in Nepal resulted in at least 160 deaths and hundreds more unaccounted for. The disaster struck along the Nepal-Tibet border, unleashing a wall of water and mud that crashed over buildings and vehicles like "liquid concrete." The cause of the event remains uncertain, but experts believe it likely began as a rock-ice avalanche triggered by an earthquake, which then blocked a river and caused the subsequent flooding.
The extreme topography of the Himalayas has made such disasters more likely, but the lack of rain prior to the event has caught many off guard. Researchers warn that better early warning systems and real-time gauges could provide crucial minutes of warning before the deadly mud and water surge. Long-term solutions may also include monitoring and managing glacial lake outburst floods, which have the potential to cause further devastation in the region.
Scientists are now investigating potential climate links, as the Himalayas are expected to experience more heat waves, glacial retreat, and permafrost reduction due to climate change.
Written by urgent.news from Bangkok Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
