Glacial lake floods threaten communities in Asia, South America

Since 1990, the number and volume of glacial lakes worldwide have each increased by about 50%. In the high mountains of Asia, some 9 million people live near more than 2,000 glacial lakes. During the same time period, Himalayan glacial lakes increased by about 9% in number, and 14% in area. In the high mountains of Asia, some 9 million people live near more than 2,000 glacial lakes. During the same time period, Himalayan glacial lakes increased by about 9% in number, and 14% in area.