Bhotekoshi flood highlights Himalayan glacier threat
Summary
The Bhotekoshi River flood has exposed the growing danger of unstable glaciers, permafrost and slopes in Nepal’s rapidly warming Himalaya. Experts say stronger monitoring is urgently needed in vulnerable mountain valleys and border areas.
Key Points
- The Bhotekoshi River flood has highlighted how glacier collapse and mountain instability can trigger destructive downstream floods in Nepal.
- Experts say vulnerable glacierised catchments and river basins such as the Trishuli system need urgent monitoring, especially where settlements lie close to rivers.
- Researchers warn that warming mountain slopes and permafrost are weakening rocks and debris, increasing the risk of large rock-ice avalanches.
- ICIMOD says glacier ice in the Hindu Kush Himalaya is being lost at an accelerating rate, with glacier wastage roughly doubling since 2000.
