BEIJING, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- The threat of floods from global warming-related glacial melting in the Himalayan highlands was the subject of a conference held in Lhasa Sunday, state-run media reported.
More than 60 experts from the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, the World Meteorological Organization, China's National Meteorological Bureau and eight countries are discussing ways to improve flood forecasting, risk management and assessment and disaster control, as well as regional flood management.
Gabriel Campbell, director of the ICIMD, was quoted by Xinhua as saying flooding may cause serious losses in Tibet and the lower reaches of the rivers originating from the Himalayas if measures aren't taken. Rivers at risk include China's Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, as well as the Indus, Salween, Mekong and Brahmaputra.
The sensitive ecosystem of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau is threatened by a variety of problems, including overgrazing and road building, which have accelerated glacial retreat and increased runoff.
In June, China's National Climate Center warned warmer winters and summers are having a serious impact on the fragile environment of the region.
A vice chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Dorji Cering, said mountain flooding is one of the major natural disasters plaguing the region. He said the Chinese government is cognizant of the problem and is drafting a plan on flood prevention and control.
