Glacier collapse caused Nepal floods

Flooding in Nepal’s Gorkha district last week was triggered by the collapse of a glacier in the Budi Gandaki river valley, according to a study by the country’s disaster management authority. The event led to five people being missing and over 200 homes destroyed.

Cause initially misidentified

The flood was initially thought to be caused by a landslide blocking the river, but the study revealed it was actually due to an ice avalanche that occurred at an altitude of more than 6,000 meters. This corrected understanding highlights the complexity of such natural disasters.

Authorities improved response

Dharam Raj Uprety, head of the disaster management authority, noted that this incident was similar to a previous one in Rasuwa in August, but this time authorities had more time to warn people. This early warning helped reduce the number of casualties.

Rescue efforts and missing persons

More than 500 people, including 51 foreign citizens, were rescued from the flood. However, as of Wednesday, authorities still had no information about the five people who remain missing.

Recent disaster in August

This flood follows the August 26 disaster, when a surge of icy water, mud, and debris flooded the Trishuli river valley. That event caused over 1,400 deaths and more than 5,000 people to go missing.

Climate change increases risks

Floods and landslides are common in Nepal and South Asia, especially during the summer monsoon season. Scientists say climate change is making these events more frequent and severe by accelerating glacier melting and destabilizing the Himalayan region.