BS EDIT: Himalayan blunders

A growing Himalayan threat

Glacial lake outburst floods are becoming more frequent across the Himalayas, exposing millions to a deadly combination of melting glaciers, extreme weather and fragile terrain

When glaciers give way

Accelerated glacial melt is creating unstable lakes in the Himalayas. Monsoon rains and rising water levels can trigger sudden floods carrying mud, ice, boulders and debris downhil

Disasters, repeated

From Kedarnath and Rishi Ganga to Sikkim and the Bhotekoshi, recent disasters have repeatedly demonstrated the vulnerability of Himalayan communities and infrastructure

The human factor

Roads, tunnels, hydropower projects and tourism infrastructure built without sufficient regard for the terrain can turn climate events into far greater human catastrophes

Warnings without action

Despite repeated disasters, lessons about over-construction and over-tourism remain poorly assimilated. Development in this fragile ecosystem continues to outpace safeguards

Cooperation is critical

Satellite monitoring and computer modelling can help track vulnerable glacial lakes

But effective early warning requires stronger data-sharing and cooperation among Himalayan nations