Exactly how the tsunami in Nepal occurred is being investigated.

But one thing is certain:

- Rising temperatures and melting glaciers increase the risk of disasters, says Klara Berggren, climate specialist at the UN children's fund Unicef.

Over 1,100 have died and almost 4,000 are missing in Nepal after the enormous tsunami that hit a week ago.

Even more are affected in some way after what is believed to be the largest natural disaster in the country's modern history.

The UN children's fund Unicef ​​was quickly on site in northern and central Nepal, where the disaster took place. They estimate that around 22,100 children have been affected, but warn that the number could rise.

– They need urgent help such as clean water, food, health care, says 31-year-old Swede Klara Berggren, who works with climate at UNICEF's country office in Nepal.

“Wall of mud”

The disaster took place in the morning – when many children were at school. They now need psychosocial support provided by UNICEF.

Several have described how a “wall of mud” hit them in just a few seconds, says Klara Berggren.

– My colleagues meet children who have been separated from their families, and now live in collection centers or in the homes of host families. They are scared and traumatized. There is a fear that the water will “come back”, as they say. The risk is not over. Several victims have been registered.

Exactly what caused the flash flood is still being investigated.

The initial assessment from researchers and experts was that a glacier had collapsed, dragging soil and rock with it in what was described as a “brown tsunami” with the consistency of “liquid concrete”.

But it could also be that the mountain itself could have come loose, dragging the ice with it.

“Increases the risk”

It is not yet possible to draw a clear connection between climate change and the tsunami disaster, but Klara Berggren notes that Nepal is vulnerable to climate-related events.

The glaciers are also melting faster in Nepal than in many other areas, she says. In addition, there are other climate-related risks: Nepal has been hit by monsoon rains that have led to landslides and floods, but also heat waves and drought.

– There are several high-intensity climate risks at the same time.

The flash flood also occurred in Tibet, but the information from there is very scarce. Chinese authorities have censored information about the disaster, including the film from the border station between Nepal and China where a tidal wave washed away everything in its path.

China has reported that 16 people have died in the disaster and that 546 people are missing.

Facts

The disaster in numbers

  • In Nepal, 1,114 have died and 3,916 are missing, according to the latest statistics from the authorities. The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that two of the missing have connections to Sweden.
  • In Tibet, Chinese authorities state that 16 people have died and 546 people are missing, of whom 261 are foreign citizens.
  • UNICEF estimates that 22,100 children have been affected by the tsunami, but states that this number may rise as more areas become accessible.
  • UNICEF has reached around 19,000 people in the affected areas of Rasuwa and Nuwakot with water and sanitation supplies. Additional supplies are being sent out daily.
  • 1,000 people have received psychosocial support through UNICEF in Nepal.
  • More than 10,000 school-age children need immediate psychosocial support and safe school environments to regain a sense of routine and stability.