UK's national polar research institute
Forecasters have confirmed a very strong El Niño that has pushed Pacific sea-surface temperatures well beyond historical thresholds and is already altering global weather. The Met Office says the event is unprecedented in modern records; governments in Central and South America have declared alerts as droughts and extreme heat are damaging crops and water supplies now and into 2027.
A glacier detachment has triggered an ice-rock avalanche that mobilised water and debris along the Lhende Khola and Bhotekoshi rivers. Rescue efforts continue as the death toll and missing persons rise. Scientists say warmer conditions are altering hazard dynamics in the region.
A massive section of glacier and bedrock has collapsed near Langtang Lirung and has triggered a fast-moving flood that has killed hundreds, left thousands missing and displaced tens of thousands across Nepal and Tibet. Rescue teams from Nepal, China and international partners are searching for survivors while authorities warn of further flood risk from newly formed barrier lakes.