Kathmandu. Experts from intergovernmental organizations involved in research related to environment and climate change have predicted above average rainfall in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region this year, which puts a high risk of flash floods, landslides and glacial lake eruptions.
According to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the temperature in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region is likely to be as high as 2 degrees Celsius above normal during the monsoon season. The Hindu Kush region includes South Asian countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar and neighbouring China. All these countries are at high risk due to rising rainfall and temperatures.
“Various meteorological agencies have predicted above normal rainfall from June to September, which will lead to a high risk of devastating floods and landslides in the mountainous region,” ICIMOD said in its report. ’
“Rising temperatures in the Hindu Kush Himalayas may accelerate the melting of glaciers and snow,” the report added. As a result, the flow of the river will increase for a short time and the risk of glacial lake eruption will increase. In addition, warming reduces the accumulation of snow. This could threaten long-term water supplies for millions of people living in low-lying coastal areas. ’
The Hindu Kush Himalaya region is particularly sensitive to monsoon due to weather systems adjoining the Indian Ocean and South Asia. Rainfall from June to September is the main source of water for the region. It has a huge impact on river systems that help nearly 2 billion people.
Although the monsoon is important for the recharge of these rivers, the increasing impact of climate change has increased the risk of water-related disasters such as floods, landslides, storms, heat waves, fires, droughts and glacial lake eruptions. Between 1980 and 2024, more than 72.5 per cent of floods occurred in the region during the monsoon season.
According to ICIMOD, the snow-covered area in this area extends from 951,000 square kilometers to 1.39 million square kilometers in winter. In summer, it shrinks to 388,000 to 481,000 square kilometers. The total glacial area of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region can extend up to 87,340 square kilometers.
