Almost 300,000 people now live in flood‑prone areas in the Nepalese Himalayas—new research
On Aug. 26, a rock and ice avalanche triggered a huge flood that swept through a steep valley in Nepal, leaving thousands dead and missing. It was an extreme example of a growing problem across the Himalayas. As glaciers melt, glacial lakes expand and mountain permafrost thaws, the risks from floods, landslides and other high-mountain hazards are increasing. At the same time, more people and…
New research reveals that over 300,000 individuals now reside in flood-prone regions across the Nepalese Himalayas. This surge in exposure is primarily driven by growing urbanization and infrastructure development in vulnerable areas. Between 2016 and 2023, built-up zones susceptible to flooding expanded by 46% in the catchment regions of Nepal's rivers.
Glacial lakes, formed by retreating glaciers, pose a significant threat as they can suddenly burst, sending floodwaters cascading down steep valleys. This study, focusing on Nepal, estimates that more than 100,000 people are at risk downstream of these lakes. While climate change exacerbates these dangers, it's the human factor that shapes disaster risk.
The study highlights the importance of considering exposure levels in land and infrastructure planning to prevent future disasters.
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