Building Area in Himalayan Glacial Flood Zones Increased by 77% in Seven Years
Building Area in Himalayan Glacial Flood Zones Increased by 77% in Seven Years
Nepal · Published Oct 9, 2026
• A recent study published in Nature's Scientific Reports reveals that the area occupied by buildings within potential glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) zones in Nepal, India, and China has grown by 77% between 2016 and
• The building area in these flood-prone zones increased from 0.7 sq km in 2016 to 1.3 sq km in

Impact & Risks

The study estimates that 293,800 people across Nepal, India, and China are exposed to potential GLOF-related flooding, with 108,500 of them residing in Nepal alone. Of these, 22,800 individuals live in areas less than 10 metres above river levels, making them particularly vulnerable. While the increase in building areas does not directly equate to higher flood risk, the study emphasises that the likelihood and severity of floods, as well as the vulnerability of people and infrastructure, are critical factors. The findings underscore the need for improved disaster preparedness and early-warning systems in these regions.

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