‘Everest region a hotspot of cryosphere-linked hazards’ - study

Key Points

• A 2024 glacial lake outburst flood in Thame Valley, Solokhumbu, hit by a rock avalanche, released over 459,000 cubic meters of water causing extensive destruction.
• The flood's erosive power was amplified by natural river channel narrowing and debris slurry flow spreading 80 km downstream.
• The Hindu Kush Himalaya region is warming rapidly, causing accelerated glacier retreat and proliferation of glacial lakes, increasing GLOF risks.
• The study calls for urgent flood risk management, enhanced monitoring, and climate-resilient investments to protect vulnerable mountain communities.