BENGALURU, India — In Nepal, a deadly flash flood struck on Wednesday, and scientists speculate that the incident might have stemmed from a colossal glacier fragment breaking away. This event likely obstructed the river momentarily, with the subsequent release of pent-up water surging downstream with tremendous force hours later, as initial investigations suggest.
Researchers are diligently analyzing satellite images and ground reports to unravel the precise triggers of the torrent that claimed at least 353 lives. Over 1,300 individuals remain unaccounted for, including several international visitors and pilgrims.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a magnitude 5.2 glacier collapse occurred on Wednesday, pushing destructive debris downstream and devastating local communities. This conclusion was drawn from a combination of data acquired from proximate seismic stations, long-period seismic waves, and satellite imagery.
“It seems the lower section of a glacier has truly sheared off,” remarked Jakob Steiner, a geoscientist affiliated with the University of Graz in Austria, currently residing in Bangladesh. “When observing the visuals, it’s as if the glacier’s lower part was sliced away with an enormous knife.”
Steiner elaborated that the immense mass of glacial ice plummeting from a considerable height might have appeared akin to a bomb detonation, sparking the ensuing turmoil.
Scientists said it is too early to draw a direct connection between
Sudden rise in water levels gave no chance to escape
Water levels in rivers across the flood-affected region rose by as much as 9 meters (29.5 feet) in 30 minutes as a result of the surge from the glacial detachment upstream, researchers at the Kathmandu-based climate research group said.
“It was a huge rise, a huge surge of water that happened suddenly,” said Sanyal.
Preliminary evidence suggests a large volume of ice and rock may have plunged into the Lhende Khola, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi River. Researchers said the collapse could have displaced water and picked up loose sediment and boulders, producing a powerful surge downstream. Researchers are also examining whether debris temporarily dammed the river before the impounded water burst through, magnifying the flood.
Steiner said the area has a history of destructive mountain hazards.
Climate change increasing risks in the Himalayas
The Hindu Kush Himalaya is warming rapidly, driving major changes in glaciers, snow cover, permafrost and mountain slopes, according to climate scientists.
The mountains contain the largest volume of snow and ice outside the polar regions. More than 63,000 glaciers in the area feed at least 10 major Asian river systems and support the food, water, energy and livelihood security of billions of people.
However, around 78% of the glacier area, located between 4,500 and 6,000 meters above sea level, is highly exposed to warming.
“What happened yesterday is unfortunately the new normal. It’s going to get worse from here onwards,” Steiner said.
The last decade was the