Summary:
On July 8, 2025, a massive glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) hit Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Nepal-China border, causing severe damage and loss of life. The flood swept away parts of a key border highway, killed seven people (including six Chinese workers), and caused an estimated $100 million in losses. The event disrupted trade and tourism, with a major border crossing closed and local businesses affected.

What Happened?

• A glacial lake formed in March 2025 about 35 km upstream inside Chinese territory rapidly expanded and then burst on July 7.
• The sudden release of water flooded downstream areas, sweeping away infrastructure, vehicles, and camps.
• Scientists attribute the event to climate change-driven warming, which is accelerating glacier melt and increasing the number and size of glacial lakes.

Why Is This Happening?

• The Himalayas are warming faster than many other regions (0.42°C per decade between 2008–2018).
• Nepal’s glaciers are shrinking; the number of glacial lakes has increased by 154% since 1977.
• Many lakes pose high risk of bursting, threatening millions downstream.

Past Incidents & Future Risks

• Similar GLOFs occurred recently in Nepal: - May 2025 in Humla district displaced 20 families.

• August 2024 in Thame village destroyed homes.

• 2021 flood killed 24 people in Sindhupalchok district.

• Experts warn these events will become more frequent and intense.

• ICIMOD and local scientists emphasize urgent need for monitoring and disaster preparedness.

This “Himalayan tsunami” is a stark warning of the increasing danger posed by climate change in mountain regions, with serious implications for Nepal and neighboring countries.

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