Glacial Lake Threats in Nepal Rise as Floods Claim Hundreds

Heavy rains and landslides have driven the Bhote Koshi river system into a deadly surge, raising the death toll to 469 and leaving 977 people missing. The disaster was triggered when a tributary was blocked by an avalanche, causing water to back up and flood low‑lying settlements. Scientists have highlighted 47 glacial lakes—21 in Nepal and 26 in Tibet—as high‑risk bodies that could suddenly release water, creating glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Such events would add to the already devastating flood situation, endangering thousands more across the Himalayan basin.