Scientists Conclude Devastating Flood Not Caused by Single Event
Summary
A new scientific study says the August 26 flood in the Nepal-China border area was triggered by multiple interacting processes, including glacier changes, earthquakes, melting ice and rising temperatures. Scientists say rock and ice collapsing from Langtang Lirung generated the powerful flood wave, with human-caused climate change also playing a significant role.
Key Points
- A study by more than 20 international scientists concluded the flood was not caused by a single natural event.
- Researchers say earthquakes, glacier thinning, melting ice and unusually high temperatures weakened the mountains over time.
- A large collapse of rock and ice from Langtang Lirung is said to have produced the extremely powerful flood wave.
- The analysis, conducted with World Weather Attribution, has not yet been peer-reviewed.
