In recent years, you may have noticed the effects of global warming, whether through an extremely hot summer day or rising sea levels. An extreme effect of this phenomenon occurred recently when a glacier collapsed on a mountain near the China-Nepal border. Originally mistaken for an earthquake, this glacial collapse produced enough seismic energy to resemble a 5.2 magnitude earthquake. The ice and rock as well as debris from a landslide that occurred at the same time fell into the Lhende Khola, causing devastating and deadly floods in Nepal and Tibet.
This flood, like many others, did significant damage to the environment. For example, it eroded many portions of the land, spread debris and pollution, and destroyed wildlife habitat and killed countless animals. In addition to this more than 1400 people died in this flood and over 5000 are still reported missing. There are measures that people can take after floods like this to protect both themselves and the environment.
After such a disaster, seeking aid and performing rescues should be a community’s first priority. Once the immediate danger has passed and the injured are being tended to, the community can turn its attention and remaining resources to the hidden dangers.
The biggest hidden danger is disease. As noted above, floods spread pollutants, some of which being chemicals and sewage. Due to these pollutants, disease is a real risk following a flood. In order to avoid these diseases, public health agencies such as the World Health Organization advise avoiding contact with flood water, maintaining hygiene, monitoring open wounds, and drinking only bottled or boiled water as the majority of drinking water sources are often contaminated.
One of the most important things that anyone can do following a flood or, for that matter, any natural disaster, is to provide support. When faced with environmental challenges such as these, having a community to lean on is invaluable. Whether or not you were directly affected by a flood, you can still provide support through physical aid, clean-up initiatives, or financial donations. A few organizations that you could donate to are Direct Relief, UNICEF, and Save the Children.
While we cannot fully stop global warming or natural disasters such as these, there are always things we can do in the aftermath. Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives in the Nepal-Tibet floods and those who were impacted by the devastation. As they work to rebuild their lives and beautiful country, we can only hope that those around the world will continue to provide long-term support if able and stay informed.
Citations:
Paddison, Laura, et al. “What Caused the Nepal Flood Wave? Here’s What We Know.” CNN, 26 Aug. 2026, https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/26/weather/floods-nepal-cause-vis. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.
“Nepal’s Death Toll From Glacier Collapse and Flood Exceeds 1,000.” PBS News, Sept. 2026, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/nepals-death-toll-from-glacier-collapse-and-flood-exceeds-1000. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.
Ghosh, Debosmita. “Nepal Floods: Floodwater May Spread Infectious Diseases, How to Stay Safe.” NDTV, 27 Aug. 2026, https://www.ndtv.com/health/nepal-floods-floodwater-may-spread-infectious-diseases-how-to-stay-safe-11965936. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
“Nepal Flood Relief 2026.” Direct Relief, 27 Aug. 2026, https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/nepal-floods-2026/. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.
Bell, Shanay. “3 Organizations You Can Support With Disaster Relief Efforts at Nepal-China Border.” Community Foundation of New Jersey, Sept. 2026, https://cfnj.org/news/3-organizations-you-can-support-with-disaster-relief-efforts-at-nepal-china-border/. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect nor represent the Earth Chronicles and its editorial board.
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