A Chinese helicopter has reached the site where a glacier-fed lake reportedly burst, triggering massive destruction in Nepal. The phenomenon is known as a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).
A GLOF occurs when the natural dam holding back a glacial lake suddenly fails. Rising water pressure and cracks within the glacier can create a pathway for the water to escape.
Once the dam gives way, a huge volume of water, along with accumulated ice, mud and rocks, can rush down the mountains at extremely high speed. This sudden surge can cause devastating flash floods across downstream areas.
The latest incident in Nepal highlights the destructive power of GLOFs, which can cause severe damage to communities and infrastructure within a very short time.
