A deadly flash flood near Nepal’s border with Tibet may have been triggered when a large section of a glacier broke away and crashed hundreds of metres into the valley below, according to experts who analysed satellite imagery.
Before and after images showed a previously green mountainside covered in debris and sediment following the disaster. Experts said the collapse may have created a powerful ice-rock avalanche that sent water, boulders and debris rushing through the Lhende, Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems.
Scientists also observed signs of significant snowmelt in the 24 hours before the disaster, suggesting unusually warm conditions may have contributed. However, experts said it remains unclear whether an earthquake, landslide, glacier instability or climate change played a direct role in triggering the collapse.
The disaster struck the mountainous Rasuwa region, home to several hydropower projects, causing severe damage and leaving hundreds of people missing. Authorities are continuing rescue operations as scientists investigate the exact cause of the catastrophic flood.