Scientists Warn 8 Himalayan Nations to Prepare for Floods After 8,000 Die or Go Missing
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 18
Scientists Warn 8 Himalayan Nations to Prepare for Floods After 8,000 Die or Go Missing
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 18
Summary
Three weeks after a glacier collapse triggered flash floods that left more than 8,000 dead or missing in Nepal and China, scientists urged governments across the Himalayas to prepare for the next disaster.
Experts said rapidly melting glaciers and thawing permafrost are increasing the risk of landslides, glacial lake outbursts and swollen rivers across the mountain chain.
Systemiq reported this week that only 21 of roughly 40,000 glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan range are actively monitored, underscoring calls for stronger surveillance and early-warning systems.
The warnings span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan, with researchers pressing those countries to share cross-border mountain and river data and improve evacuation planning.