The 2026 Himalayan disaster

On 26 August 2026, an extraordinary high-mountain disaster struck the Nepal–China border region and rapidly propagated through Nepal’s Bhote Koshi–Trishuli river system.

Current scientific assessment points to a cascading sequence involving high-altitude ice and rock collapse, large sediment releases and an extreme downstream flood pulse. The precise mechanism that triggered the event, and the contribution of climate change to this particular disaster, remain under investigation.

What is already clear is how quickly a disturbance high in the mountains can cascade through interconnected natural and human systems. Glaciers and unstable mountain slopes can trigger debris and flood surges that travel downstream, damaging settlements, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities, water and sanitation systems, communications and other essential services. 

The consequences can extend far beyond physical destruction, affecting livelihoods, displacing people and leaving communities facing bereavement, psychological distress and long-term uncertainty.

The disaster also highlights a growing challenge for the Hindu Kush Himalaya, where rising temperatures are rapidly changing glaciers, snow, permafrost, water systems and mountain-slope stability. At the same time, more people and infrastructure are exposed to hazards that may be increasingly complex and difficult to anticipate from past experience.

How can we move from responding after catastrophe to anticipating unfamiliar risks? How can science, communities and institutions strengthen early warning, build more resilient settlements and infrastructure, and prepare for multiple possible futures?

NMBU brings together experts working on glaciers and mountain environments, disaster sanitation, psychosocial recovery, nature-based solutions, early warning, governance and geopolitics to explore what can be learned from this tragedy and how that knowledge can contribute to greater resilience in a rapidly changing Himalaya.

The seminar builds on NMBU’s long-standing collaboration with Nepal, including partnerships with Kathmandu University and Tribhuvan University on sustainable development research, climate initiatives and graduate education.

Programme

12:15-12:20 | Welcome and NMBU solidarity with Nepal

Speaker: TBC

12:20-12:25 | Setting the scene: What does the Nepal disaster tell us about?

Prof. Bishal Sitaula, Noragric, LANDSAM, NMBU

12:25-12:45 | Glacier changes and impacts in Nepal: Recent flood disaster and solutions for a changing Himalaya

Dr. Miriam Jackson, Glaciologist, NVE, Norway

12:45-13:00 | Sanitation options for disaster-affected areas of the Himalaya and South Asia

Dr. Manoj Pandey, MINA, NMBU

13:00-13:15 | Psychological resilience through scientific intervention and wisdom traditions during disasters and the disorienting dilemma of Nepal

Prof. Bishal Sitaula, NMBU and Prof. Suraj Thapa, University of Oslo

13:15-13:30 | Nature-based solutions for a climate-changed future: Insights from Norway and NMBU for curriculum development

Prof. Mina Di Marino, LANDSAM, NMBU

13:30-13:45 | Break with refreshments

13:45-14:15 | Panel discussion: Climate change, disaster, geopolitics and responsibility in a rapidly changing climate

Moderator: Prof. Kirsti Stuvøy, LANDSAM, NMBU

The discussion will bring together thematic speakers and invited discussants to address climate responsibility, transboundary Himalayan risks, climate justice, resilient reconstruction, science-policy cooperation and international responsibility.

14:15-14:30 | Q&A, closing remarks and future action

TBC 

Practical information

Free event, open to all. Join in person at NMBU's Clock Building (room U302, interactive map) or online. 

Language: English

To join online:

Join Zoom Meeting, Meeting ID: 631 9206 2719
Join by SIP: 
63192062719@109.105.112.236
63192062719@109.105.112.235

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