Scientists link Nepal flood to glacier collapse

Scientists have determined that a glacier collapse likely triggered the deadly flash flood in Nepal and Tibet, which resulted in over 160 deaths and numerous others missing. The disaster, which struck on Wednesday, was caused by a large section of ice and rock breaking away from a glacier near Langtang Lirung in Nepal’s Himalayas.

The falling ice and debris then plunged into a valley, causing a powerful surge in the Lhende Khola river that devastated communities and damaged infrastructure along the Nepal-China border. Although initially reported as an earthquake-triggered landslide, the US Geological Survey later clarified that the seismic activity was generated by the collapse of glacial ice and rock.

Scientists warn that rising temperatures are making Himalayan glaciers and surrounding mountain slopes increasingly unstable, increasing the likelihood of such disasters.

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