A recent collapse of a glacier on the Tibetan Plateau caused a massive surge of water and debris that swept across the Nepal-China border. More than 1,000 people are confirmed dead, and over 4,000 remain missing in both Nepal and China. Rescue teams are working to find hundreds of workers believed to be trapped in hydropower project tunnels on the Trishuli River. These tunnels, large enough for trucks, are now filled with mud and silt.
This situation is not just a natural disaster; it highlights the potential impacts of climate change on the Himalayas and serves as a warning for Nepal as it rapidly moves to dam many of its rivers. Experts suggest that Nepal’s flood disaster signals the need for a change in how the country and international investors view rivers, especially the Karnali River. The Karnali is the last major river in Nepal that has never been dammed and is known for its excellent whitewater rafting, featuring many class 5 rapids.
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Source: Mongabay Animals, by Erik Hoffner