India steps up glacier monitoring after Nepal disaster

India is increasing surveillance of its Himalayan regions near China and Nepal following a deadly flood triggered by a glacial collapse, authorities revealed on Saturday. The United States Geological Survey reported that the disaster on Wednesday occurred along the Tibet-Nepal border, resulting in nearly 3,000 people missing and 633 confirmed fatalities. Although the precise cause of the collapse remains uncertain, climate change is causing glaciers worldwide to melt, thereby heightening the risks of such disasters.

Recognizing that India borders Nepal and shares a comparable geographic setting, Madan Kaushik, the state disaster management minister for India's Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, ordered his department to monitor all glaciers and known glacial lakes in the region. He informed the news agency AFP, "We have asked our teams to remain vigilant and monitor for any emerging similar situations in the state."

Uttarakhand, one of India's most ecologically sensitive regions, is home to 1,266 glacial lakes, according to government statistics. Scientists warn that rapidly melting Himalayan glaciers, which supply water to nearly two billion people, are exposing communities to unpredictable and costly disasters. Moreover, melting glaciers and thawing permafrost can destabilize mountain slopes and heighten the risk of landslides.

Experts attribute the increasing frequency, severity, and impact of these disasters to the combined effects of climate change and poorly planned development.