Scientists say global heating was likely a destabilising factor in the August collapse of a Himalayan glacier that triggered catastrophic floods in Nepal and Tibet, killing more than 1,300 people, according to the first study of the disaster.
Key facts
- More than 1,300 people were killed in floods across Nepal and Tibet in August.
- A 200,000 sq metre glacier collapsed, sending 110m cubic metres of snow and ice into the valley below.
- Researchers identified unusually warm conditions before the collapse.
- The avalanche triggered flash floods on an almost unprecedented scale, hitting communities without warning.
- It is the first scientific study of the disaster.
Climate breakdown probably weakened the glacier that collapsed and caused catastrophic floods that killed more than 1,300 people in Nepal and Tibet last month, according to the first scientific study of the disaster reported by the Guardian.
Researchers said global heating was a destabilising factor in the collapse of the 200,000 sq metre glacier in August. They identified unusually warm conditions before the glacier gave way, pointing to climate change as a likely contributor to the disaster.
The collapse sent an avalanche of 110m cubic metres of snow and ice into the valley below, according to the Guardian’s account of the study. That mass of ice and snow crashing downslope set off a chain of events that devastated communities in its path.
The avalanche triggered flash floods on an almost unprecedented scale, striking communities downstream without warning. The lack of advance notice left those living below the glacier with little chance to reach safety.
The findings represent the first scientific assessment of the causes behind the deadly event, linking the extreme warmth that preceded the collapse to broader patterns of global heating. Scientists framed the warming conditions as a factor that weakened the glacier before it failed.
The study adds to a growing body of research examining how rising temperatures affect the stability of mountain glaciers, particularly in the Himalayas, where large populations live downstream of ice-covered peaks.
Why it matters
The study connects a specific, deadly disaster to the broader effects of global heating, highlighting the growing risks faced by communities living below Himalayan glaciers. As temperatures rise, understanding what destabilises these ice masses is critical for early warning systems and disaster planning in one of the world's most vulnerable regions.
Frequently asked questions
How many people died in the Nepal-Tibet floods?
More than 1,300 people were killed in the floods across Nepal and Tibet in August, according to the Guardian.
What caused the floods?
The floods were triggered by the collapse of a 200,000 sq metre glacier, which sent an avalanche of 110m cubic metres of snow and ice into the valley below, causing flash floods on an almost unprecedented scale.
What role did climate change play?
According to the first scientific study of the disaster, global heating was likely a destabilising factor, with researchers identifying unusually warm conditions before the glacier's collapse.