Kathmandu— A devastating glacial tsunami struck central Nepal on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river corridor. The flood, which was triggered by an ice-rock collapse, resulted in more than a thousand deaths and left over four thousand people missing. The disaster has underscored the acute vulnerability of communities in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region to water-induced disasters exacerbated by global warming.
Environmental Impact
The Hindu Kush Himalayas, spanning eight countries including Nepal, India, and China, are a critical source for ten major river systems that provide drinking and irrigation water for nearly two billion people. The region's snowmass acts as a cooling machine, regulating temperature and maintaining ecological balance. However, the rapid melting of glaciers due to global warming has led to increased risks of glacial outbursts and floods.
Historical Devastation
The Hindu Kush Himalayan region has a history of water-induced disasters, including the 2015 Langtang avalanche and the 2021 Melamchi flash flood. The recent Bhotekoshi-Trishuli event was unprecedented in scale, with over 910 people trapped in hydro-power tunnels along the corridor. Preliminary assessments estimate the damage to houses and infrastructure at around $5 billion.
International Response
During his visit to Nepal in 2023, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for urgent climate action after observing geological and climatic shifts in the Everest and Annapurna regions. He highlighted the need for trans-border management of water resources and cooperation among affected countries.
Future Outlook
Scientific studies indicate that one-third of Himalayan ice has vanished over the past thirty years, with a doubling in loss since 2000. This melting is leading to water shortages, landslides, and outward migration. The World Bank predicts up to 40 million climate migrants in South Asia by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced.
(With inputs from RN)
Originally published on abcnews.com.np.
प्रतिक्रिया दिनुहोस्