The flash flood in Uttarakhand state, triggered by what scientists said could have been a large avalanche of glacier ice, sent water, rocks and debris surging down the Dhauliganga river valley, destroying dams and bridges. Experts have cautioned there could be still be huge amounts of rock, debris, ice and water that could be dislodged, making rescue efforts risky. The disaster has prompted calls by environmental groups for a review of power projects in the ecologically sensitive mountains. A team of scientists are investigating if a piece of a Himalayan glacier did fall into water and trigger the flood. Uttarakhand itself has up to 1,495 glaciers and many are receding due to the warming climate.

Source: bd News24 February 14, 2021 11:15 UTC