How Global Warming Likely Triggered Nepal’s Deadly Flood
A glacier collapse caused a flood that claimed over 160 lives.
1The Scale of the Disaster
Flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border killed at least 160 people and left hundreds missing, including international tourists. Social media footage shows buildings and vehicles swept away by the floodwaters. The incident has turned into an international crisis, affecting both locals and visitors.
2Glacier Collapse Triggered It
Initial analysis by the Nepalese government and satellite imagery suggests the flood was triggered by a glacier collapse. A 2,000-foot-wide piece of ice fell nearly 4,000 feet, releasing immense energy. This collapse turned the glacier into water, causing the flood.
3Role of Global Warming
Rising temperatures in the region are destabilizing glaciers. Joseph Shea from the University of Northern British Columbia notes that glaciers are retreating and thinning. Since 2000, global glaciers have lost 5% of their ice. In Nepal, a quarter of glaciers disappeared between 1970 and 2010.
4Glacial Lake Outbursts
Retreating glaciers are forming large lakes at high altitudes. These lakes can burst due to landslides, causing devastating floods. Last year, Nepal experienced two glacial lake outbursts. Such disasters threaten millions of people worldwide.
5Seismic Impact
The glacier collapse and debris flow were so powerful that the US Geological Survey recorded it as a magnitude 5.2 seismic event. This highlights the immense force of the incident. Similar glacier collapses have caused destruction in Switzerland and Italy.
6Other Examples
Last year, a glacier collapse in Switzerland buried a town. In 2022, a glacier collapse in Italy killed 11 mountaineers. Both events were linked to rising temperatures. Global warming is destabilizing glaciers, increasing the frequency of such disasters.
7Impact of Alpine Permafrost
Joseph Shea points out that thawing Alpine permafrost is also destabilizing glaciers. Rising ground temperatures are causing frozen soil to melt, allowing large masses to move. This can trigger glacier collapses and increase disaster risks.
8Future Risks
If global warming continues, 40% of the world’s glaciers could disappear. This could lead to more frequent and severe disasters in glacier-dependent regions like Nepal. Scientists emphasize that limiting temperature rise to below 1.5°C is critical to reducing these risks.
Original article: Science Latest — Nepal'da Sel Felaketine Küresel Isınmanın Etkisi