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What experts know about Nepal’s deadly floods

Experts reveal what caused Nepal’s deadly floods and landslides, highlighting the role of extreme topography, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and cli Read More: https://punchng.com/what-experts-know-about-nepals-deadly-floods/

What experts know about Nepal’s deadly floods

Floods and landslides in Nepal have resulted in over 150 deaths and hundreds of people missing. The disaster occurred in the Bhote Koshi River valley, a main link between Kathmandu in Nepal and Lhasa in Tibet. According to The Hindu - Sci-Tech, early analysis suggests that the abrupt collapse of a glacier may have triggered the disaster.

The Himalayas are especially vulnerable to climate change, with steep slopes made of permafrost beginning to melt or destabilise as temperatures rise. This can trigger sudden and devastating debris flows. The Hindu - Sci-Tech notes that the great ice stores of the Himalayas, known as the world's "third pole," are no longer safe.

At least 34 Australians are missing, and a Nepali tour operator told The Guardian Australia that 15 Australians, including children as young as 11, may have died. India has dispatched relief supplies to flood-affected Nepal, including 47.5 tonnes of aid material, medicines, and food packets.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, The Hindu - Sci-Tech, Punch Nigeria, DW News, The Guardian Australia — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

Read the original at punchng.com →

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