FACT: Nepal landslides caused by glacier collapse

A circulating Facebook post from the group Interesting Stories, Facts, & Trivia gained online engagement, presenting news that the recent flash flood in Nepal was heavily caused by a glacier collapse, also citing sources from experts in the caption.

CLAIM: 

The post highlighted that experts said the flood flow from the said incident was derived from the Lende River, which was previously blocked by debris during the glacier collapse. However, when the barrier eventually caved in, the water flowed alongside the remains of the failed barrier.

RATING: FACT

CONCLUSION:

The post cited credible sources for this claim and reflected what was originally said, adding inputs from existing experts. It effectively proved that the glacier collapse is scientifically linked to the surge of the flood, causing the region-wide disaster.

THE FACTS:

• Dan Shugar, a member of the University of Calgary in Canada, highlighted that there is a glacier near a cliff that accurately projects the geographical effects if it were to break.
• The Nepal incident began with a mass movement of material using the analysis of long-period seismic waves. The energy released was identified as being generated by a glacial collapse and debris flow.
• Steep glaciers may break for reasons not connected to climate change, but an increased frequency of this classification of disasters also raises the risk of global warming as a contributor, as also said by Mr. Shugar.

THE BOTTOMLINE:

Recent environmental phenomena remain interconnected in influencing recent calamities, prompting more cautious precautions in preparation for events like these.