UN Warns Millions at Risk from Glacial Floods in Himalayan Region

Millions of individuals living along major river systems in the Himalayan region could face growing risks from glacial floods as climate change accelerates glacier melt, a senior United Nations (UN) official has cautioned.

Key points

• Researchers identified 47 potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Nepal, China, and India in 2020.
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• "Technology cannot move fast enough to prevent loss along these massive river systems that catch the overflow of the glacier lakes, " Wignaraja informed Reuters in an interview.
• According to Wignaraja, updated data compiled by UNDP and partner organizations in June demonstrates that the population exposed to the threat "goes into the millions."

Kanni Wignaraja, an assistant secretary-general at the UN and regional director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), remarked the threat could additionally affect hydroelectric power systems and create some riverbank areas effectively uninhabitable. Islamabad Launches Emergency Drainage Operation.

Researchers identified 47 potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Nepal, China, and India in 2020. Nevertheless, the actual number is now believed to be significantly higher.

For context, the warning follows last week's devastating flood in Nepal. It was triggered after parts of a glacier near the Langtang Lirung mountain peak collapsed and fell into the valley below.

Notably, the collapse caused a landslide that sent a powerful flood wave down the Trishuli River. Famous Activist Blames Islamabad for Rawalpindi Flooding.

Glacial lake outburst floods are different from glacier collapses. They occur when meltwater builds up behind a natural barrier until increasing pressure causes the barrier to break or overflow, sending a sudden flash flood downstream.

UN authorities say both risks are increasing as rising temperatures accelerate glacier melt throughout the region. Melting ice can loosen rocks and growth pressure on the natural barriers holding back glacial lakes.

According to Wignaraja additionally, the Himalayan mountains are relatively young and therefore more vulnerable to tectonic activity, which can additionally trigger sudden glacier collapses or failures of glacial lake barriers.

Researchers have identified potentially dangerous glacial lakes throughout substantial parts of the Hindu Kush region, raising reservations concerning the long-term safety of communities and infrastructure located downstream. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover.

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