Climate change boosted risk of devastating Nepal flash flood: experts

Nearly 1,500 people remain missing after a massive landslide and flash flood ravaged Nepal's Himalayan region, according to authorities. Experts attribute the increased risk of such disasters to climate change, which destabilizes high-mountain rock and ice. Simon Cox, chief scientist at Earth Sciences New Zealand, explained that this leads to more frequent collapses and cascading hazards.

The initial collapse is believed to have started with an ice-rock avalanche on the northern slopes of Langtang Lirung peak, sending a surge of water into the Lhende Khola river. This triggered a chain reaction affecting hydropower plants, infrastructure, and altering river channels over 100 kilometers downstream. While climate change is not the sole cause, rising temperatures and melting glaciers likely played a role.

Scientists note that similar events have occurred in recent years, though on a smaller scale. The International Center for Integrated Mountain Development warns that floods, landslides, and droughts are becoming more frequent and intense across the Hindu Kush mountains, posing a major threat to the region.