GANDAKI REGION TEMPERATURE RISE DOUBLES IN HIGH HIMALAYAS
Summary
Gandaki Province is experiencing rapid temperature rise, especially in the high Himalayas, leading to snow cover reduction, water scarcity, and increased risks of floods and landslides.
Key Points
- The high Himalayan region in Gandaki Province is seeing temperature increases twice the rate of the Terai region, with Manang recording the highest annual rise.
- Temperature increase is causing nighttime cold to deepen, leading to wider temperature differences and risks like sudden frost and altered precipitation patterns.
- Snow cover in Gandaki has decreased by about 20-25%, with 721 square kilometers lost recently due to rapid melting and increased rainfall.
- Water scarcity is worsening, with many traditional water sources drying up and only 20% of the population having access to safe drinking water, compounded by environmental imbalance and pollution.
