Collapsed glacier likely caused devastating Nepal-Tibet floods, scientists say
Scientists have confirmed that a glacial collapse near Langtang Lirung peak triggered the devastating floods on the Nepal-Tibet border. The impact was so severe it registered as a seismic event, leading to initial confusion regarding its cause.
Why it matters
Understanding the specific mechanics of this disaster is essential for improving early warning systems for glacial lake outburst floods.
Figure caption, Aerial footage shows floods on Nepal-Tibet border
Preliminary investigations have pointed to a collapsed glacier as the cause of the flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border, highlighting the issue of rapidly melting Himalayan ice, scientists have told the BBC.
Initial reports of an earthquake led many to believe that a tremor had caused a landslide, which in turn caused the flood that has killed at least 177 people.
However, the US Geological Survey then clarified that the disaster was caused by a "glacial collapse", which is when a glacier or part of a glacier disintegrates.
The impact of the collapsed glacier hitting the bottom of a valley was so powerful that it registered a magnitude of 5.2, according to USGS data and scientists who have analysed the event.
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