Nepal plans to drain four glacial lakes after deadly floods
Nepal is launching a $50-million project to drain four high-risk glacial lakes to prevent catastrophic flooding. The initiative follows a deadly glacier collapse and aims to install warning systems and build downstream resilience over the next six years.
Why it matters
This project highlights the urgent climate adaptation measures required in mountainous regions facing increased risks from melting glaciers.
Nepal will kick off a high-stakes effort this fiscal year to drain four glacial lakes perched high in the mountains, as it scrambles to reduce flood risks, officials said, after a recent disaster that killed more than 1,400.
Rescuers are still searching for more than 5,000 people missing in the border region with China after August’s glacier collapse unleashed landslides and a flash flood that tore through valleys.
“Our aim is to lower the risk of the lakes breaching their natural dams and reduce the risk of downstream floods,” said Subash Tuladhar, an expert with a government research centre tasked with overseeing the new project.
Canals will drain water into nearby rivers in a regulated way, he said, adding that workers faced health risks as a result of the lengthy periods of high-altitude work required, in addition to the dangers of sudden flooding.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in