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What is a glacial collapse?

A glacial collapse happens when a glacier, a large mass of ice, breaks apart or melts rapidly, releasing huge volumes of water and debris. In Nepal, this event triggered the destructive flash floods that swept away houses and led to 162 deaths. Climate change is increasing the frequency of such collapses globally, posing a growing threat.

Stories that explain this

Dozens of Britons missing after Nepal flash floods kill 162

Related explainers

What are flash floods? Why are people in Nepal vulnerable? How do rescues in remote areas work? What causes waste dump collapses? What is a glacier collapse? How does heavy rain cause collapses? What's a system collapse?

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