Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:08am on 17 Jun 2024,Monday Weather & Environment
Alarm bells are ringing as the Hindu Kush Himalaya region faces a severe snow deficit, threatening water security for millions. A report by ICIMOD reveals snow persistence is significantly lower this year, prompting experts to urge water management officials to initiate drought management strategies. The region's frozen water sources supply freshwater to 240 million people and benefit 1.65 billion others downstream. Snowmelt accounts for 23% of the water flow in 12 major river basins, but levels are currently 20% below normal, with the western region hit hardest. This crisis demands immediate attention to prevent severe water shortages.
