Flood disaster in pictures
On Saturday 5 May 2012, flash flooding in the Kaski district of northwestern Nepal resulted in the death of at least 28 people, left dozens more missing, and caused great loss of property including homes, businesses, crops, and livestock. Many people have been asking us more information about the disaster and… if it would affect their planned treks and climbing expeditions. In most cases it’s not been necessary to cancel or changes these plans, but if you have any doubts or questions, please contact us so we can look into your plans specifically.
Now, about a week later, official parties have travelled to the flood affected area to make a preliminary assessment about its source and possible causes. Have a look at some pictures of the area at the website of ICIMOD (The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development).
What type of flooding are there?
Cloudburst – Short duration intensive rainfall is the most common cause of flash flood in the Himalayas. Real-time and near real-time precipitation (rainfall) information from direct observation stations and remote-sensing based rainfall estimation can be used in early warning systems to reduce the loss of lives and properties. However, the early warning system has to be accessible and understandable to the communities at risk.
Glacial lake outburst floods – Glacier thinning and retreat can result in the formation of new glacial lakes and the enlargement of existing lakes due to the accumulation of melt water behind loosely consolidated end moraine dams. Such lakes are inherently unstable and can be subject to catastrophic outburst. There are very few, small glacial lakes in the catchment east of Mount Machhapuchhre and they are not considered potentially dangerous. About 21 of the 1,466 glacial lakes mapped out in Nepal are considered potentially dangerous. The Government of Nepal carried out mitigation activities to reduce the GLOF risk in Tsho Rolpa glacial lake in 2000. ICIMOD, together with Nepalese institutions, has carried out detailed investigations of some glacial lakes and their downstream areas. ICIMOD is currently assisting Nepal’s Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal to develop a project proposal for reducing GLOF risk through mitigation and early warning systems in Imja and Tsho Rolpa glacial lakes.
Happy Holi 2012!
It’s time for a very colourful Indian/Nepalese celebration
In Kathmandu, Nepal it’s celibrated at 7 March 2012. Outside Kathmandu and in India it’s celibrated at the 8th of March. But what is it? Well, Holi is the Hindu festival that welcomes the Spring and celebrates the new life and energy of the season. Although Holi has religious roots, not much religious activity is involved in its celebration. Holi is one of the most energetic Indian/Nepali festivals, filled with fun and good humour; even the strict rules of separation between castes are abandoned.
Holi is also called ‘The Festival of Colours’, and people celebrate the festival by smearing each other with paint, and throwing coloured powder, water and dye around in an atmosphere of great good humour. Especially girls and women are targets for water and paint balloons, not always fully appreciated…
Climbing for Water’s Everest High Tea
Two years ago, Eveline Wessels and Armand Dirks decided to use their climbing expeditions to spread awareness about water problems in mountain areas and the areas downstream. During their last expedition to Lhotse they organized a real High Tea at the Everest South Col (8000m) as a special kickoff event for their 7 Summits for Water project. Mountain Consult is the logistic partner for this kickoff event and for Climbing for Water’s Everest Expedition in 2015 as part of their 7 summits quest. As soon as the expedition is finished we’ll publish some more information and pictures about this special event at our blog!
Climbing for Water kickoff handeled by Mountain Consult
Climbing for Water kicks off its 7 Summits for Water project at the Everest South Col. It’s a project in which they try to spread awareness about water related problems in mountain areas, and in which they try to raise 500.000,- Euro to support local water projects.
Mountain Consult is proud to be the logistic partner for Climbing for Water during the kickoff and the Everest Expedition in 2015.
For more information about Climbing for Water: http://www.climbingforwater.org
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Eveline Wessels
