The Guardian · 27 Aug, 05:19
A massive glacial collapse in the Himalayas caused catastrophic flash floods in Nepal and Tibet, killing at least 165 people and leaving over 1,000 missing.
On Wednesday at 8:37am, a large section of a glacier in the Himalayas collapsed, triggering a massive release of water, mud, rock, and ice that swept through valleys and rivers in northern Nepal and Tibet. The flash floods destroyed houses, roads, and buildings, and caused widespread devastation. The disaster occurred near the Nepal-Tibet border, in an area popular with tourists and pilgrims.
Why it matters: The disaster highlights the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to extreme weather events, which are becoming more common due to climate change. The region's steep slopes, lush valleys, and remaining glaciers make it prone to flooding and landslides. The incident also underscores the need for effective disaster preparedness and response measures in the region.
165 dead, 1,000 missing, 826 missing in Nepal, 558 missing in Tibet, 579 tourists from two dozen countries
“It was a huge gush of mud coming straight towards us. As it got closer, it kept rising higher and higher. When I saw it enter our home, I tried to grab my wife’s hand and take her to the terrace. But she was swept away by the mud,” - Keshav Prasad Baral
The Guardian · 27 Aug, 05:06
A flash flood hit Nepal and Tibet, killing at least 165 people and leaving over 1,000 missing, mostly tourists. The disaster was caused by a landslide of ice and rock that triggered a debris-laden flood in the Lhende River.
A catastrophic flash flood occurred in Nepal and Tibet, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The flood, which was triggered by a landslide of ice and rock, roared down valleys, wiped out entire villages, and swept away houses, roads, and power projects. Rescuers are racing to locate over 1,000 people missing, mostly tourists, from countries such as India, the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. The disaster occurred in a mountainous region popular with trekkers and pilgrims.
Why it matters: The flash flood is significant due to the high number of casualties and missing persons, particularly among tourists. The disaster highlights the risk of such events in the Himalayas, which is compounded by the extreme topography of the region. The incident has prompted an international response, with countries such as the US providing emergency assistance and the UN mobilizing supplies and personnel to support affected communities.
165 deaths, 1,000 missing, 826 missing in Nepal, 558 missing in Tibet, 260 foreign nationals missing in Tibet, 177 from India, 63 from the US, 34 from Australia, 33 from Britain, 25 from Canada, $500,000 emergency assistance from the US
Had there been no mango tree, I would have been washed away to death. - Bibek Kumal
The Guardian · 27 Aug, 05:00
Kew Gardens is renovating its Victorian-era Palm House greenhouse and must fell some rare trees and relocate around 1,000 plants to save the structure. The project allows for conservation work, including propagating new plants and translocating them back into the wild.
Kew Gardens is set to renovate its Palm House, a Victorian-era greenhouse, due to its rusted ironwork and damaged glass panes. The renovation, scheduled to start in 2027, requires relocating around 1,000 plants, including some critically endangered species. Some trees, like the giant palm trees, cannot be moved and must be felled. The plants are being temporarily moved to a tropical nursery before being returned to the renovated greenhouse.
Why it matters: This project is significant because it allows for the conservation of rare and endangered plant species. Kew Gardens is not only preserving its collection but also helping to protect and enhance wild populations. The renovation project provides an opportunity for groundbreaking conservation work, including propagating new plants and translocating them back into the wild.
1,000 plants, 16,000 panes of glass, 2027, 50 years, 1775, 10 young plants
“We can play a major part in conserving plants in the wild. We are thrilled by that, and we think translocation to the wild of our plants will play an even bigger role in the future.” - Tom Pickering
Ars Technica · 26 Aug, 22:13
Summary not available.
Ars Technica · 26 Aug, 19:19
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Ars Technica · 26 Aug, 17:25
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NPR News · 27 Aug, 03:42
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NPR News · 26 Aug, 21:11
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NPR News · 26 Aug, 18:08
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