Dr Dobhal, who has extensively studied the Gangotri Glacier, also warned of shifting rainfall patterns in the Himalayas. “The entire region above 6,000 feet is filled with loose sediment. Previously, these areas experienced gentle, prolonged rain. Now, we witness intense bursts lasting only 20 minutes, followed by cessation. This is an extremely dangerous situation, with rainfall now even reaching the snowline.” He emphasized the need for aerial surveys to determine whether the disaster resulted from a glacier burst or a blocked river breach.
Supporting this assessment, Dr Manish Mehta, a senior scientist at the Wadia Institute, said, “The true cause of this disaster can only be fully understood once satellite images become available.” He noted that past studies suggest possibilities such as glacial lake outbursts, landslide-induced floods, or sudden flash floods as plausible triggers.
The findings underscore the growing complexity of Himalayan disasters, where traditional explanations like cloudbursts may not always apply, necessitating deeper scientific investigation into evolving climatic and geological risks.
