Article 5HB3Z Glacial lakes threaten millions with flooding as planet heats up

Glacial lakes threaten millions with flooding as planet heats up

by
Neelima Vallangi in Kathmandu
from on (#5HB3Z)

More than 12,000 deaths have already been attributed to glacial lake outburst floods worldwide

An increasing number of people are being threatened by flooding caused by glacial lakes bursting, scientists have warned.

As the planet warms and glaciers recede, meltwater accumulates and forms lakes, often as a result of ice or moraine acting as a dam. Since 1990, the volume, area and number of these glacial lakes has increased by 50% globally. When these lakes become too full there is a risk that they may breach or overflow, releasing huge volumes of water and causing catastrophic flooding.

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