New Study Reveals 100 Million Cubic Meters of Icefall from Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Flood
The catastrophic flood that struck the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli area on September 10 caused a massive icefall, whose impact, seismic vibrations, associated activities, landslide initiation timing, and flood velocity were studied to aid future preparedness, according to experts and officials. The ground tremors triggered by this event were recorded not only in Nepal and China but also by seismometers located approximately 19,000 kilometers away worldwide, the study revealed.
This recent study, published in the scientific journal ‘Seismica,’ was led by earthquake experts Lokvijay Adhikari and Shiv Subedi from the Department of Mines and Geology. Experts noted that the findings will assist in developing early warning systems, particularly related to seismic wave monitoring, for future disaster events. Confirmed fatalities from the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli flood exceed 1,400, with over 5,000 people still unaccounted for.
The research involved a collaborative effort of 17 scientists from seven countries, including Nepal. It analyzed data from seismographs in Nepal and China along with CCTV footage from Rasuwa district. Initiated on September 10, the study was submitted to ‘Seismica’ on September 20 and published five days ago. It determined that the main landslide commenced at 8:37:16 AM Nepal Standard Time on September 10.
Scientists estimate that the energy released from the icefall equated to a magnitude 5.2 earthquake. The study states that the total volume of ice, soil, and glacial debris that caused the massive flood and landslide amounted to roughly 100 million cubic meters, with lead researcher and seismologist Lokvijay Adhikari explaining, “About 100 million cubic meters of ice fell, forming a block approximately 1.4 kilometers long and 500 meters high.”
The research team emphasized that the study’s insights could significantly contribute to building effective early warning systems to reduce loss of life and property in downstream settlements vulnerable to floods and landslides. Senior hydrologist Vinod Parajuli from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology commented that the study provides clarity on the nature and impact of flood-induced landslides. Associate Professor and glaciologist Dibas Shrestha from Tribhuvan University’s Center for Hydrology and Meteorology praised the study as an exemplary observation.
