He climate change is causing the thaw of many glaciers, something that seriously affects the planet. Besides, could cause tsunamis in areas where there is no sea. Scientists at the University of Newcastle have produced the first global assessment of areas most at risk of glacial lake outburst flooding and identified priority areas for mitigation. The work published by the magazine ‘Science’ gives exhaustive information about the future of some 215,000 glaciers in the world.
As they explain, these lakes can suddenly burst and create rapid glacial lake flooding that can extend to more than 120 kilometers.
The research team has studied 1,089 glacial lake basins from around the world. Also other indicators such as the level of development of these areas and the number of inhabitants.
The results show that 15 million people live within 50 km of a glacial lake and that Asia is in the greatest danger, with 9.3 million people potentially at risk. The study also shows that Peru, India, Pakistan and China account for more than half the number of people worldwide exposed to the potential danger of glacial lake flooding.
Lead researcher Caroline Taylor, a PhD student at Newcastle University, notes that “this work shows that it is not the areas with the largest number of lakes or fastest growing areas that are most dangerous.
Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
Los devastating earthquakes this week in Turkey and Syria have already claimed the lives of more than 24,000 people as the international community continues its relief efforts and rescue teams make a final effort to continue finding survivors, five days after the quakes.
According to the latest official balance this Saturday, at least 20,665 people have died in Turkey alone, where the number of injured is 80,088 people. In neighboring Syria there is evidence of 3,553 deaths and 5,276 injuries, for a total of 24,218.