The devastating forces behind the Himalayan flash floods
The flood that swept away several settlements near the Nepal-China border comes at a time when scientists warn that climate change is increasing the risks.
A sudden flood has devastated several settlements near the Nepal-China border, killing over 469 people and leaving more than 1400 missing. Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the risks in the Himalayan region, where glaciers and mountain slopes are becoming increasingly unstable. The disaster is believed to have been triggered by a massive landslide and glacier collapse on Mount Langtang Lirung, which released an enormous amount of energy and water into the Bhote Koshi valley.
Experts say that the region is warming faster than the global average, and that the construction of hydroelectric dams and development in the area may be increasing the risk of such disasters.
Written by urgent.news from Expansion ES's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
