Glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayas, a crucial freshwater source for nearly 2 billion people are melting at an alarming rate, heightening the risk of floods, landslides and infrastructure damage across Asia. The region home to the world’s largest ice reserves outside the polar areas is experiencing glacial melt 65% faster than in the previous decade with the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) projected to triple by the century’s end.
The impact is already being felt. In August last year, a glacial lake in Nepal’s Everest region burst its banks unleashing a destructive flood in Thame village. Homes, farms, a school, and a hydropower plant were damaged, but timely evacuation saved lives. With such disasters set to become more frequent, governments and international organizations are working on adaptation strategies to minimize risks.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB), with support from Germany and Switzerland, is helping Bhutan and Nepal build climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems. Experts emphasize three key steps: understanding multi-hazard risks through satellite mapping and local knowledge, implementing cost-effective risk reduction measures, and fostering regional cooperation, as 10 major Asian rivers depend on Himalayan glaciers.
Beyond adaptation, experts warn that emissions reductions are essential. If global temperatures rise by 3°C, up to 75% of Himalayan glaciers could disappear, threatening water security and food supplies. As nations finalize their climate commitments this year, urgent action is needed to curb glacial retreat and prevent worsening disasters across Asia.