Catastrophic avalanche in the Himalayas leaves four deceased and five individuals unaccounted for.

Catastrophic Avalanche in Himalayas Leaves Four Deceased and Five Unaccounted For - Catastrophic avalanche in the Himalayas leaves four deceased and five individuals unaccounted for.

Last updated: March 2025, 19:20

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An avalanche in the northern Indian Himalayan region has left at least four individuals dead and five more missing, as reported by rescue workers on Saturday. The disaster occurred on Friday when a group of 55 workers was engulfed by an avalanche in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state. Despite the army's efforts to combat persisting snowfall, rescue operations remain hampered.

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Himalayan regions are infamous for avalanches and landslides, particularly in winter. Scientific studies suggest that climate change is worsening extreme weather events, increasing incidences of storms, heavy rain, and intensifying snowfall. In 2021, over 100 fatalities were confirmed in Uttarakhand following a glacier breakoff that set off a flash flood.

Here are some of the ways climate change is impacting the Himalayas:

Dire Impact of Temperature Changes

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1. Instability of Soil: Rising temperatures are causing the Himalayan soil to become less stable, leading to more frequent landslides and avalanches.
2. Glacial Melt: Climate change is accelerating the melting of glaciers, leading to altered snowfall patterns and amplified avalanche risks.
3. Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is causing extreme weather events to become more frequent and unpredictable, contributing to more severe avalanches and landslides.

Environmental Factors at Play

1. Topography and Hydrology: The Himalayas' steep slopes and rapid rivers create an environment in which natural disasters are more likely to occur. Climate change has exacerbated these conditions by intensifying rainfall and altering snowmelt patterns.
2. Human Activities: Large-scale initiatives, such as hydroelectric dams and highways, further destabilize the region, increasing risk of landslides and avalanches.

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Regional Impact by District

1. Himachal Pradesh: Approximately 45% of Himachal Pradesh faces risks of flooding, landslides, and avalanches, due to its delicate topography and climate change's impact.
2. Uttarakhand: The region has been devastated by avalanches and landslides, with climate change increasing the area's instability.

Policy-makers must prioritize sustainable development strategies and emergency warning systems to address these challenges and mitigate the risks.

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Sources:[1] Environmental Results Data Access System[2] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - 6th Assessment Report[3] World Bank - Climate Change - Himalayas[4] United Nations Environment Programme - Himalayas[5] Nature - Climate change driving up risk of landslides in Himalayas

1. Searching for more information about the avalanche in the Himalayas, I came across a bookmark titled 'Climate change and its impact on the Himalayas.'
2. The tragedy in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand has underscored the need for more extensive studies on the Himalayan region's susceptibility to avalanches and landslides, particularly in light of climate change.
3. If the missing individuals are not found soon, the avalanche in the Himalayas will become a somber reminder of the worsening climate change effects, making bookmarks like 'Dire Impact of Temperature Changes' in the Himalayas even more relevant.

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