Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Rock-Ice Avalanche Theory Emerges Behind Nepal’s Deadly Floods
Scientists are trying to understand what caused deadly floods in Nepal.
They noticed a large signal when the event began.
The signal did not look like one made by an earthquake.
They also studied the area and pictures taken by satellites.
Their early explanation is that rocks and ice fell together from a glacier or mountain.
This mass may have moved downstream and changed into a flowing mixture.
That flow could have caused the floods.
Researchers described this explanation as preliminary, meaning it may be revised as more evidence is studied.
A large signal was detected at the beginning of the event.
The signal did not appear to be caused by an earthquake.
Researchers combined the signal with local knowledge and satellite imagery.
Their preliminary interpretation was a rock-ice avalanche.
The avalanche may have turned into a flow as it moved downstream.
- Who
- A researcher quoted by The New York Times and other scientists analyzing the event.
- What
- Deadly floods in Nepal are being preliminarily linked to a rock-ice avalanche that may have transformed into a downstream flow.
- Where
- Nepal, with the suspected avalanche moving downstream.
- Why
- The explanation is based on a large initial signal, knowledge of the area, and satellite imagery.
- Event
- Deadly floods in Nepal
- Initial signal
- A large signal appeared at the start of the event.
- Earthquake assessment
- The signal did not appear to be an earthquake.
- Preliminary cause
- A rock-ice avalanche
- Movement
- The avalanche may have transitioned into a flow downstream.
- Evidence considered
- The signal, local knowledge, and satellite imagery