The terrifying, destructive force of glacial floods – and the growing threat to millions

Glaciers found in Pakistan's awe-inspiring mountain ranges are melting as global temperatures rise. The meltwater collects as glacial lakes that are often only held back by thinning ice walls, or fragile earth banks. When these barriers break, perhaps when pressure gets too much or an earthquake strikes, in an instant millions of tons of water can be unleashed into the populated valleys below. Research by the United Nations Develop Programme (UNDP) estimates millions of people are now at risk from such flooding. The government of Pakistan and UNDP have now launched a joint $37m project to try to protect people. The plan involves building defences, but also forming early warning networks and creating an inventory of dangerous lakes.